[qwerpy]

It was a pain to do, but I have a Sony "Google TV" that I fixed to remove or hide the Sony bloatware and Google adware. I hated how the home screen would display full screen loud ads and the TV would constantly want to update so that it could display an even more obnoxious screen layout with more ads, so I loaded a simple launcher that always displays a static list of hand-picked apps. It required (or successfully dark patterned) me to sign in with a Google account, so I created a dedicated burner account. Google really didn't want to let me create one "please provide a working phone number to verify" but I managed to create one.

Of course I'd prefer a plain dumb TV but there weren't any cheaply and conveniently available at the time. Second best thing is a de-Googled TV. Now if only I could figure out a way to disable the Google buttons on the remote so that kids don't accidentally get into the app store (ads!) or activate the voice control.

[edoceo]

Open the remote, put insulator over the contacts. Works on Roku/Samsung - voids warranty but, it looks like you're already past that (or moving in that (correct) direction)

[vorpalhex]

A bit of kapton tape under the button works and is reversible if you change your mind. Also works well for childrens toys that produce music.

[com2kid]

The annoying part is if you disable all the ads and recommendations, they disable voice search. Feels like they are punishing me for opting out of ads...

[genewitch]

super glue the buttons in place