Samsung has announced the integration of advertisements on its premium smart fridges through an upcoming software update, following a recent pilot program that received criticism.
The ads will be displayed on Samsung’s 2024 Family Hub smart fridges, which range in price from $1,899 to $3,499. These ads will be delivered via a software update scheduled for this month and will appear on the fridge’s built-in 21.5- or 32-inch screen when the appliance is idle, showcased as “Cover Screens.”
As part of the software update, Samsung is testing a new widget for select Cover Screens themes, offering everyday information like news, calendar events, weather forecasts, and curated advertisements. Samsung has clarified that the ads shown on its fridges will be contextualized rather than personalized, with no user data collection involved, aiming to maintain user privacy.
The widget will be displayed as a rectangular box at the bottom of the screens, changing its content every 10 seconds. Additionally, the update will introduce a ‘Daily Board’ theme presenting quick-view information, including appointments, weather updates, and advertisements within five tiles.
Source: Ars Technica