Samsung Smart Fridges Now Serving Ads on Their High-Tech Screens If you recently spent a few thousand dollars on one of Samsung’s premium smart refrigerators, you might have expected a reprieve from advertising. That expectation is now outdated. A new software update being deployed to these high-end appliances in the US means their large display screens will now show advertisements and promotions when not in use. This change affects Samsung’s Family Hub line of refrigerators, which are known for their integrated touchscreens that typically function as a digital family bulletin board, a photo frame, or a control center for other smart home devices. According to reports, this update is part of a new pilot program. Samsung has stated this move is part of its commitment to enhancing everyday value for its home appliance customers. The advertisements will appear on what Samsung calls the Cover Screen. This is the screen that appears when the fridge is not actively being used for another function, such as displaying artwork in Art Mode or a family photo album. The company has clarified that ads will not interrupt these specific modes. Users can dismiss individual ads, and that particular promotion will not reappear for the duration of its campaign. What remains notably unclear from Samsung’s statements is whether users have the option to disable the advertising feature entirely. This is a significant point for consumers who have invested a considerable sum, often between $1,800 and $3,500, for a refrigerator equipped with the Family Hub technology. During this pilot phase, it does not appear that a complete opt-out setting is available. It is also unknown if certain models are excluded from this test. This shift in strategy marks a notable reversal from the company’s previous stance. Earlier this year, a Samsung executive explicitly stated the company had no plans to introduce advertising to its smart home appliance displays. The rapid change of course has likely come as an unwelcome surprise to owners of these premium products, who now find their expensive kitchen appliance has become another billboard. The integration of ads into a device that was marketed as a premium convenience feature raises questions about the future of consumer acceptance of smart home technology that seeks new revenue streams after the initial sale.
