Samsung makes ads on smart fridges official with upcoming software update

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Rejection of “smart” appliances and Samsung

  • Many commenters vow never to buy smart appliances at all, or Samsung products in particular.
  • Some already own Samsung fridges/TVs and say this guarantees they’ll switch brands when replacing them.
  • Several keep existing “smart” TVs fully offline, using HDMI devices or Linux boxes instead, to avoid tracking and ads.
  • A recurring sentiment: basic appliance functions (cooling, washing, cooking) do not require the Internet.

Advertising-driven business model & enshittification

  • Users see fridge ads as part of a broader pattern: once a device has connectivity and a screen, ads are inevitable.
  • Discussion focuses on “dual revenue streams”: sell the product, then sell user attention and data.
  • Incentives inside corporations favor any new revenue line, even if it harms long-term customer trust.
  • Many frame this as classic “enshittification”: products worsen post-sale to satisfy growth targets and executive bonuses.

Privacy, data collection, and “contextual” ads

  • “Contextual” ads are interpreted as: based on device context (kitchen, time of day, inventory) versus user profile.
  • Commenters doubt the distinction will hold; they expect creeping personalization and surveillance.
  • Smart cameras and inventory features could expose medical information, alcohol consumption, and detailed household habits.
  • Some note prior Samsung smart TV behavior like content recognition and screenshot uploads.

Debate over usefulness of smart features

  • A few see potential value in genuinely user-controlled “smart” functions (local APIs, Home Assistant integration, safety alerts, delayed runs).
  • Most argue current implementations are cloud-dependent, fragile, and ultimately designed to monetize data, not help users.
  • Several say the “features” (cameras, shopping lists, recipe screens) do not solve real problems compared to simply opening the door.

Workarounds, hacking, and legal barriers

  • Proposed defenses: DNS-level ad blocking, Pi-hole, keeping appliances offline, physically unplugging Wi-Fi modules.
  • Skepticism that this will remain possible as manufacturers can add cellular modems or use DoH to bypass local DNS.
  • A bounty program exists to build firmware that removes fridge ads, but there are concerns about DMCA anti-circumvention laws and practical installability for non-technical users.

Appliance quality, longevity, and alternatives

  • Many report poor reliability and repairability of Samsung fridges (especially ice makers and control boards) even before ads.
  • Others contrast this with older or high-end brands that last decades, though there’s debate whether expensive modern “luxury” fridges are truly better.
  • Some advocate buying simpler, non-connected, easily repairable models, or even commercial appliances.

Consumer power and future outlook

  • There’s disagreement over “voting with your wallet”: some think boycotts can still work; others argue all major brands will converge on ad-supported models.
  • EU consumer protection is cited as at least limiting post-sale changes like mandatory ads.
  • Several predict that ad- and subscription-laden behavior will spread to more appliances (cars, toilets, etc.) unless regulations or strong market backlash intervene.