Smart Samsung refrigerators now display advertisements within their interface.
Samsung Introduces Ads on Family Hub Smart Refrigerators
Samsung has announced a new pilot program that will see advertisements appearing on the screens of its Family Hub smart refrigerators for some U.S. customers. The tech giant claims this move is aimed at "strengthening the value" of owning a Samsung smart fridge.
The advertisements will appear on the Cover Screens of Family Hub refrigerators when they are idle. However, they will not disrupt the user's experience, as they will not appear when the Cover Screen displays Art Mode or picture albums. Advertisements can be dismissed, but there doesn't seem to be a way to turn off ads altogether.
Samsung is providing an over-the-network (OTN) software update with Terms of Service (T&C) and Privacy Notice (PN) as part of this pilot program. The tech giant has not yet provided any information about the potential impact on customers' privacy or the duration of the pilot program.
The design format of the advertisements may change depending on personalization options for the Cover Screen. The advertisements are part of promotions and curated advertisements offered in the U.S. market.
The pilot program is limited to certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the U.S. market. Samsung has not disclosed the exact models or customers involved in the program.
The addition of advertisements to a luxury product like the Samsung Family Hub fridge, which costs between $1,800 and $3,500, has raised some eyebrows. However, Samsung remains committed to innovation and enhancing everyday value for its home appliance customers.
The statement about the ads was provided by Samsung, as reported by Android Authority. This move by Samsung marks a departure from the traditional role of smart refrigerators, which have primarily been used for storing food and displaying family photos.
It remains to be seen how this pilot program will be received by Samsung's customers. Whether this is a trend that will continue or a one-time experiment, only time will tell. For now, Samsung customers in the U.S. who receive the OTN software update should expect to see advertisements on their Family Hub smart refrigerator screens when they are idle.
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