walmart / vizio / vizio os

Vizio now requires buyers of new smart TVs to sign into a Walmart account to access smart features, a move reported via Ars Technica and discussed on Hacker News. The change ties Vizio’s smart TV functionality to Walmart’s ecosystem, potentially enabling Walmart to push discounts, perks and ads directly through TVs sold at its stores. Commenters flagged privacy and user-choice concerns, noting risks like forced on-screen prompts, difficulty using TVs in “dumb” mode, and broader trends toward data-driven devices as default. The shift matters because it links retail platforms and device software, affecting consumer privacy, distribution strategies for cheap hardware, and how retailers monetize connected devices.

Walmart now requires customers to sign in with a Walmart account to complete onboarding and access smart features on select newly purchased Vizio OS TVs, the company confirmed to Ars Technica. Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, says existing Vizio accounts can be merged with Walmart accounts or deleted, but did not specify which models are affected. The move appears aimed at tying Vizio’s ad-driven platform to Walmart’s $6.4 billion advertising business, enabling ads that link directly to product pages (for example, L’Oréal promotions). Critics warn the integration deepens retail-linked tracking and commerce on TVs and could expand to more models or via updates, raising privacy and consumer-choice concerns.

Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, now requires a Walmart account to complete setup and access smart features on select newly purchased Vizio OS TVs, the company confirmed to Ars Technica. Existing Vizio account holders can merge with or delete their Vizio account, though Walmart didn’t detail which models are affected or how user data will be handled. The change lets Walmart more tightly integrate Vizio OS’s ad and tracking capabilities with its $6.4 billion ads business; Vizio’s ad unit showed strong growth before and after the acquisition. Critics warn the move further turns Vizio sets into ad-driven retail touchpoints that may push users toward Walmart purchases.

Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, now requires shoppers to sign in with a Walmart account to complete onboarding and use smart features on select newly purchased Vizio OS TVs. The change replaces—or can be merged with—existing Vizio accounts, which Vizio previously required to enable ad-driven features and personalized experiences. Walmart framed the integration as a streamlined login and identity framework, but offered few specifics on data practices. The move strengthens Walmart’s ability to tie TV ad impressions and viewer engagement to its $6.4 billion advertising business, illustrated by plans to run shoppable ads (e.g., L’Oréal) linking to retailer product pages. The shift raises privacy and commercial concerns as smart TVs increasingly serve as ad platforms.

Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, now requires a Walmart account to complete onboarding and access smart features on select newly purchased Vizio OS TVs, the company confirmed to Ars Technica. Existing Vizio account holders can merge or delete their accounts; Walmart did not disclose which models are affected. The change appears aimed at integrating Vizio’s ad-driven OS with Walmart’s $6.4 billion advertising business, enabling shoppable ads like a new L’Oréal promotion that links to product pages. Walmart says the integration will respect privacy but provided few details. Observers warn this deepens Vizio’s shift from hardware sales to ad monetization and could expand to more models or updates.

Vizio has begun shipping some new smart TVs that require buyers to sign into a Walmart account to enable key smart features, prompting user backlash on Reddit. Owners report a Walmart branding screen and an account requirement during initial setup, blocking access to streaming apps and TV functions until they log into or create a Walmart account. Vizio and Walmart have not publicly clarified whether this is a broad policy, a temporary onboarding partnership, or limited to specific retail batches. The change matters because it affects consumer privacy, device ownership expectations, and could set a precedent for retailers inserting account gating into IoT devices, raising concerns about platform control and data collection. Users may seek refunds, firmware updates, or regulatory scrutiny.

Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, now requires a Walmart account to complete onboarding and access smart features on select newly purchased Vizio TVs, the company confirmed. Historically, Vizio TVs required a Vizio account to manage subscriptions, offers, and ad-driven personalization tied to Vizio OS; the switch to Walmart accounts signals tighter integration with Walmart’s advertising and user data strategy. The change affects only some new Vizio OS models but raises privacy and consumer-choice concerns because accounts are central to ad targeting and tracking on the platform. For buyers, this alters setup expectations and could complicate usage for those who prefer not to link retail accounts to home devices. Key players: Walmart, Vizio, Vizio OS.