It’s never an obligation, business owners are just trying to get you to supplement their staff’s income at your own direct expense and discretion. That said, it’s more expected at sit down restaurants, you may get hostile looks or words if you don’t do it in that situation. Literally nothing will happen if you don’t tip in situations where you are not being served (fast food, coffee shops, self serve, etc.). I don’t think most Americans tip in these situations.

Smart TV’s are such a dumb idea. Get an expendable side box that you have control over or can be disposed of when it enshitifies.

I feel like you could just use SQL for that.