Software update shoves ads onto Samsung’s pricey fridges
Days after someone revealed the news on social media, Samsung confirmed today that it is showing advertisements on some US customers' smart fridges. Samsung said the ads showing on some Family Hub-series fridges are part of a pilot program, but we suspect that they may become more permanent additions to Samsung fridges and/or other types of screen-equipped smart home appliances.
In a statement sent to Ars Technica, Samsung confirmed that it is conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated advertisements on certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the US market."
Samsung currently lists nine Family Hub refrigerators in the US, which have MSRPs ranging from $1,800 to $3,500. Family Hub fridges have 21.5- or 32-inch screens, which, until now, users have had autonomy over for displaying helpful or fun things, like photos and videos, memos, weather, timers, and a web browser. Some of those abilities require a Wi-Fi connection or a Samsung account.