Samsung introduces ads on Family Hub refrigerators

The Samsung's connected refrigerators with screens begin to display advertising in certain situations. after a new software update. The measure, launched as pilot program in the US, has sparked debate between those who value smart features and those who prefer not to see ads on their refrigerator door.

These models, integrated into the Family Hub and Bespoke range, incorporate a screen that acts as a centro de control del hogar (shopping lists, recipes, calendar, weather, etc.). With the change, Samsung will use the idle screen to display selected promotions., keeping the core experience unchanged during active use.

Pilot update and scope

The company has confirmed that this is an OTN (over-the-air) deployment in certain Family Hub models from the United States. Although has not provided a closed list, refers to refrigerators with a display 21,5 o 32 pulgadas the AI ​​Home interface is already present in this line.

Sources consulted indicate that the company transferred the confirmation to specialized media, framing the initiative as a prueba limitada intended to reinforce the "everyday value" of the product. For now, there is no dates or regions additional confirmed outside the US

Some of these appliances are located in high price ranges and offer advanced features such as expiration alerts or integration with other connected devices. Precisely because of their market position, The presence of ads has generated mixed reactions among users.

En todo caso, The update does not alter the operation of the refrigerator When actively used: Ads are displayed at rest within the cover screen.

Where and when ads appear

Advertising is limited to the pantalla de portada (Cover Screen) and only when it is inactive. Depending on the theme chosen, it may appear in sections such as Weather, Color o Daily Board.

Samsung has indicated that if the cover is set to the Modo Arte o con Álbumes de fotos, ads won't be shown. That is, there are specific topics that are excluded from advertising.

The look and feel of the ads may vary depending on customization that the user applies to the screen. These are selected promotions that coexist with regular information such as weather, notes, or reminders.

In addition, users can dismiss specific ads so that they do not reappear during the corresponding campaign, a useful option for filtering out unwanted content.

Options, privacy and user reactions

There is no single button for desactivar por completo advertising, but you can reduce its presence by choosing themes that do not show it (Art Mode/Albums) or, ultimately, disconnecting the equipment from the Internet (with the loss of connected features like recipes or lists).

The company accompanies the update with new Términos y Condiciones and a Aviso de Privacidad, something to be expected in a pilot of this type. It hasn't specified what types of ads will appear or whether there will be advanced data-driven personalization.

The change has brought about criticism among some owners, who consider that an appliance of this category (with prices that can range between $1.800 and $3.500) should not integrate advertisingOther users, however, point out that, when left idle, the impact is less intrusive if the themes are adjusted correctly.

For now, There is no confirmation of deployment outside the US or extension to other appliances of the brandThe practice is reminiscent of trends seen on mobile phones and televisions, reopening the debate about what role advertising should play on home devices.

With what is known so far, the situation is as follows: visible ads only when the screen is inactive, possibility of avoiding them with Art Mode/Albums or discard them punctually, and a geographically limited pilot awaiting results and upcoming decisions from Samsung.