Here’s What Samsung Says About Ads on Its Smart Refrigerators

Samsung recently rolled out a new software update for its smart refrigerators. While the update makes some tweaks to enhance user experience, it also brings ads for certain Cover Screen themes. This has sparked backlash from users, with many calling it an unfair move. However, the company now says it is a pilot program for its Family Hub refrigerators in the US.

New software update brings ads to Family Hub refrigerators in the US

If you install the latest software update, you will start seeing ads on specific Cover Screen themes such as Weather, Color, and Daily Board. Thankfully, ads will not show up when you set the screen to Art or Gallery theme. In its software release notes, Samsung simply said that this move will enhance its service and offer more content to users. Of course, these ads are not like the ones you see on streaming platforms, yet this might cause frustration for some users.

In a statement to Android Authority, a Samsung spokesperson said, “Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing everyday 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.” This suggests that the company has not rolled out the ads to all of its smart refrigerators yet.

The spokesperson further said that ads will only show on the Cover Screen of Family Hub refrigerators when the screen is idle. Furthermore, the format of the ads may change depending on how users set up their Cover Screen. Users will be able to dismiss ads, and once removed, the same ad will not show up again during the campaign period. However, you can’t completely turn off the ads, and they will still appear on supported themes unless dismissed.