DirecTV to Replace TV Screensavers with AI-Generated Ads via Glance
DirecTV is partnering with AI company Glance to replace traditional TV screensavers with AI-generated, shoppable ad experiences. The feature will roll out to DirecTV Gemini devices early next year and promises an interactive, “lean-in” television experience where viewers can engage with products directly from their screens.
Glance — a firm that has received backing from Google and has worked on on-device AI tools — describes the feature as an immersive way to discover and buy products. In practice, the system lets users use the Glance mobile app to insert themselves or others into AI-generated videos shown on the TV, change a character’s wardrobe with the voice remote, and then complete purchases from the phone.
- Rollout: Scheduled for DirecTV Gemini devices early next year.
- How it works: AI-generated videos appear as screensavers; mobile app + voice remote enable personalization and shopping.
- Privacy & control: The press release does not clarify whether users can opt out or disable the feature once it’s active.
This shift aims to make TV a more interactive shopping and personalization platform, according to Glance’s Rajat Wanchoo, who described it as creating a “ChatGPT moment” but on TV. However, it’s unclear how many viewers want ads replacing passive screensavers or will welcome AI-driven personalization in their living rooms.
For more details, see the original coverage on Engadget and Glance’s site: glance.com.
Discussion: Would you want AI-generated, shoppable ads replacing your TV screensaver? Could this improve discovery or feel invasive?