Samsung makes ads on smart fridges official with upcoming software update
Samsung’s plan to push rotating ads to the large touchscreens on its high-end “smart” refrigerators has triggered strong backlash, with many saying they will avoid both Samsung and internet-connected appliances entirely. Commenters see this as a textbook case of “enshittification”: manufacturers adding surveillance and advertising to already expensive products to create new revenue streams, with little recourse for buyers once the hardware is in their homes. The thread also raises broader worries about the future of consumer electronics, where basic functions may be tied to connectivity, subscriptions, and non-removable ads, and contrasts this with a small but growing preference for simple, durable, and repairable “dumb” appliances.
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.