Bosch: Smart refrigerators lose camera function
Bosch will deactivate the cameras in sold refrigerators on March 31st. The company cites low demand as the reason.
How Bosch advertised the function of refrigerators
(Image: Bosch)
The interior cameras of Bosch smart refrigerators will become unusable in the future. The company plans to deactivate the cameras in sold refrigerators by March 31st of this year. Bosch has confirmed this to heise online.
Previously, the cameras could be used to view the contents of the refrigerator remotely – for example, in the supermarket. Recommendations on where certain foods should ideally be stored in the refrigerator will also be lost when the cameras are deactivated. Bosch had advertised both of these functions as arguments for purchasing these refrigerators.
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A function that suggested recipes based on available food was already removed in 2022. The company now justifies the complete deactivation of the cameras with too low market demand and “technological advancements,” without further elaboration. The decision was made based on “ongoing evaluations.” Bosch states that it now wants to use the resources freed up by the deactivation for the further development of home appliances and the corresponding app. The company informed consumers via email and app notification. Bosch refers individuals who own the devices to customer service.
Just last year, Bosch deactivated its spexor devices. The sensors were advertised as a “mobile alarm system” and could measure temperature and air quality, among other things, and detect intruders. With the deactivation, both the devices and the associated app became unusable for users.
(mho)
