UPDATE: So removing the update is only a temp workaround. This lasted about 24-48 hours and it’s back again... force stopping or disabling it is not advisable either. Google is forcing this update if auto update apps is active. Disabling auto updates might work. Trying that next...

Also -fuck you google- over this shit.

This is absolute BS and consumers should not tolerate it. Sony and Google already log your actions and sell your information. This is insulting. You pay $3000+ for a TV that gets to spam you with ads with no way to defeat it. How is this lawful?

I love how this "Sponsored" nonsense popped out of nowhere. Sony never advertised this in any documents or screenshots, nor is it mentioned in any upgrade. BAIT & HOOK. This is just dirty and makes the User Experience much worse. Shame on Sony and Google for trying to pull the wool over customers.

DO YOUR PART AND SPEAK UP ABOUT IT.

All - Please open a case with Sony and also email Google (email is in this thread). If enough people complain something might get done here. Else I’m jumping the Sony ship and moving to a set that doesn’t pull this shit.

This appeared on mine the other day. Just go to edit your home screen rows and you can remove it.

My Sony TV was "upgraded" with this today and I managed to remove it successfully:

• Enable debugging and connect adb
• Run adb shell am force-stop com.google.android.tvrecommendations
• The home screen will disappear and reload
• After reloading, the Sponsored row in the middle of the screen was gone.
• A new channel appeared at the bottom named "Apps Spotlight". This one can actually be disabled in the channel customization menu.

After doing this I didn't see any more ad garbage. The channels did not come back after a reboot.

I haven't tried uninstalling the tvrecommendations package for fear of bricking my TV, but if the ads come back that's the next step.

Calling all mods - we need this stickied or a sticky post about this new sponsored channel shituation with the latest version of Android TV Core Services. Help!

I love how Google calls the App “Android TV Core Services” but under the version of the app is reads “com.google.android.tvrecommendations”. They make is seem as if you disable the app your TV will no longer work.

So, I forced stopped the app, uninstalled the update, turned notifications off, turned automatic updates off, and then restarted. It locked up on startup so I thought I might have bricked my TV. I unplugged it for a few minutes, plugged it back in, and it started without the recommendations showing up.

Checking the app after restart, it seems to have re-enabled itself and seems to be running but it does not show on the home screen.

Google assholes.

[Update] I turned the TV back on and it's back.

Google assholes x 2.

Yeah this is some absolute underhanded bullshit. I didn't pay for a flagship tv to have forced ads cluttering my display. They better disable this shit quickly. Along with this unremovable Sponsored row they keep reenabling a Google Play that I keep disabling every couple days.

You can contact Sony customer support here to let them know that we aren't happy with Google doing this on our TVs:

https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US#tv

UPDATE

So I did email Sony about this issue and lo and behold I get a super generic response that didn't even touch on the issue.

Thank you for choosing Sony Email Support!

We received your inquiry regarding your XBR55X900F and we appreciate the opportunity to help you.

We understand that you are facing an issue with the TV ads and sponsored content. We are apologize for the inconvenience caused. Here are the steps and link to troubleshoot the issue.

a. Power Reset: 1.Turn off the TV. 2.Unplug the TV power cord from the electrical outlet. 3.Let the television remain without power for 60 seconds. 4.Plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet. Note: If the TV is plugged into a power strip or surge protector, remove it from the power strip or surge protector and plug it directly into the wall outlet. If the issue is resolved, the problem is with the power strip or surge protector and not the TV. 5.Turn on the TV.

b.Factory reset: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00159487

Should you need further assistance, our team is available every day via email or chat:

Reach Email/Chat through this link https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/ from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. (midnight) ET. Or by phone at 800-222-7669 Mon-Fri 10:00am - 9:00pm ET and Sat. 10:00am - 7:00pm ET

You can also visit our page www.sony.com for the latest information about Sony products and services.

Regards, Charles Sony Service and Support

/u/XeroEncryption got the same response I did, reposting so it gets seen. I contacted Sony support, and they sent me a link which pretty much gives us the finger.

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00225587

I am very upset about this. My 930E just started showing this section. I have disabled all the Youtube and Google Play sections on the home screen. There is zero service that I receive from Android TV that I benefit from where the ads are justified. I do not use the channel guide or any of the suggestions. This is a clear violation of customer trust.

i hope this is an error on google's part.. esp a day after Apple's 'privacy first' apple tv announcement, this almost seems like a cruel joke at this point

i have to look at youtube ads on my $1000 tv? i even pay for youtube red already! and youtube tv! and Google Drive storage! leave my tv alone please..

im suddenly starting to have second thoughts about being so heavily invested in the google ecosystem

Seeing the sponsored channel and was not able to go left to delete it or remove in customized home screen.

Restarted the TV and then was able to disable in customize home screen settings.

Just saw this shit on my TV. Found you smart people. Has there been any word or fix to this?

Another victim of this BS here, o hope they remove this shit soon

I own an Nvidia shield and am seeing the same issue. I am lodging a complaint with the FTC and recommend everyone do the same here: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/GettingStarted?NextQID=402&Url=%23%26panel1-9#crnt

Vizio got fined for advertising to consumers with no warning a few years back, and Google should be held accountable too.

I guess I'm getting rid if my x900f and my shield tv I'm pissed I wasn't asked before it was installed. What tv company does not do this?

If you have Sony Bravia Android TV there's actually a very easy way to get rid of them permanently 😊

https://youtu.be/WBdYW-v1yC8

Here's another way to shout down a black hole at Google, but knowing them they probably check this:

1. tell Google Assistant on your TV: "Send Feedback"
2. say that you should be able to remove the sponsored content row from the home screen, opt out of ads, etc.

I do this every day from my Sony A9F. You should too.