*Samsung has announced a software update for its Family Hub refrigerators in the US that will introduce advertisements on the appliances’ door displays.
According to Android Authority, the update is part of a pilot program and will display “promotions and curated advertisements” on select models when the screen is idle. Samsung says the current Family Hub lineup — which costs between $1,800 and $3,500 — will be affected, though it hasn’t specified which models are included.
A Samsung spokesperson stated, “Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing every day value for our home appliance customers. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen that value, we are conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated advertisements on certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the U.S. market.” The ads will appear on the Cover Screen for themes like Weather, Color, and Daily Board, but not on Art Mode or picture album displays.
Users can dismiss ads, ensuring they won’t reappear during the campaign period. The ad format may vary based on Cover Screen personalization settings. “Advertising will appear on certain Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens. The Cover Screen appears when a Family Hub screen is idle,” the spokesperson clarified.
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The update will be delivered over the network (OTN). While ads can be dismissed, there’s no way to turn them off entirely without disconnecting the fridge from the internet, which would also disable other smart features.
This move has raised concerns about the value of premium appliances, which are now doubling as ad platforms. Samsung’s decision to integrate ads into its high-end refrigerators may frustrate users who expected an uninterrupted experience. For now, the pilot program is limited to the US, and Samsung has not announced any expansion plans.
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