cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37646129
Source: Reddit post— Private front-end.
Samsung Statement to Android Authority:
Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing every day 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.
As a part of this pilot program, Family Hub refrigerators in the U.S. will receive an over-the-network (OTN) software update with Terms of Service (T&C) and Privacy Notice (PN). Advertising will appear on certain Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens. The Cover Screen appears when a Family Hub screen is idle. Ad design format may change depending on Family Hub personalization options for the Cover Screen, and advertising will not appear when Cover Screen displays Art Mode or picture albums.
Advertisements can be dismissed on the Cover Screens where ads are shown, meaning that specific ads will not appear again during the campaign period.
As a reminder, just because the appliance you bought offers an internet connection, it most likely doesn't need it for core functionality. Your smart fridge can't get an update if it can't talk to Samsung.
...until it does.
It's not unprecedented for manufacturers to lock hardware capabilities behind software controlled paywalls.
When I was shopping for stoves, there were a couple of models with "features" that were not available unless you connected to the internet and used their app on your phone.
We chose a model that didn't have any networking at all.
I suppose the argument is that those 'features' are not core.
Nobody needs to use their phone to control their washing machine.
How about having the self-cleaning mode on the oven require you to use the app?
Yes, that was one example we saw when we were appliance shopping.