Smart TVs are capable of tracking user data, including viewing habits and app usage, which can lead to personalized advertising and content recommendations. Users may prefer to limit this tracking to protect their privacy.
AT&T is framing the launch as a broader overhaul of its digital customer experience, not just a visual refresh. In its announcement, the company said the app was built around customer demand for "simplicity, speed, and control," and introduced a GenAI assistant for shopping and support.
"Despite generational differences in the types of problems experienced, one thing is clear: wireless network quality is strong," Carl Lepper, J.D. Power senior director of technology, media and telecom, said in a prepared statement about the mobile study.
The data that a smartphone transmits in a continuous loop can be divided into two categories: legitimate data that maintains the functionality of the device, and sensitive data that is used for tracking, advertising and other purposes. It is not always clear which data falls into which category. For example, if your device sends diagnostic data and reports to the manufacturer or app developers, this may be necessary and important. However, it usually also requires your consent.
Only about a year old at that point, the App Store was changing people's relationship with software. Users were growing accustomed to the idea that the smartphone was a digital Swiss Army Knife, its glossy touchscreen waiting to be fitted with the right tool for any job. But what the public had not anticipated as we swiped and scrolled was that our phones might begin to watch us back.
