Family Hub: Samsung's smart refrigerators display advertisement on their screens

Smart Samsung refrigerators can now display advertisements in the US. Samsung has confirmed to Android Authority that it is currently running a "pilot program" on the US market. As part of this program, advertisements are being displayed on the screens of some Samsung refrigerators in the "Family Hub" series.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the value of our home appliances, we are conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated ads on select Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the US market," Android Authority quotes Samsung's statement.

Advertisements not in all screen modes

Reddit users had previously reported a changelog announcing the advertisements. It breaks down which menus will display advertisements: Samsung is currently experimenting with displaying ads on the screen when it is in sleep mode. In this mode, referred to by Samsung as "cover screen," users can view the weather, among other things. In the future, advertisements may be displayed in this mode. In other cover screen modes, such as when viewing a photo album, users are currently still spared from seeing advertisements.

According to Samsung's statement, the pilot project is currently being carried out in the US. It is unclear whether Samsung is already experimenting with advertising on refrigerator displays in other markets. Samsung did not immediately respond to an inquiry from heise online.

At the IFA in Berlin, Samsung announced that it would also be bringing the One UI platform to smart refrigerators. The update will see apps and services such as the Bixby voice assistant, the Gallery app, and Samsung TV Plus find their way into various household appliances. The aim is to achieve "seamless device interaction and media usage."

(dahe)