Samsung will add ads to smart refrigerators starting Nov. 3

Samsung will start showing ads on its smart refrigerators with screens starting Nov. The update will affect models with the Family Hub system in the US and will add a new widget where ad units will appear alongside weather, calendar and news. This is reported by The Verge citing company representatives.

Advertising widget and first partners

The widget, which Samsung is introducing into the interface of refrigerators with 21-inch or larger displays, will contain four information blocks: weather, calendar, news and personalized ads.The ads will initially be for Samsung products themselves, but The Verge notes that the company may open up the channel to third-party brands in the future.

Owners will be able to turn off the ads, but only if they remove the widget entirely. For many users, that seems like a controversial decision, especially given the cost of these devices —starting at $2,199 and up.

New features and updated interface

Besides advertising, the update brings useful new features. Samsung promises a unified interface for the 2024 and 2025 models, improved product recognition with AI Vision, and the ability for Bixby to automatically detect the user’s voice and switch profiles.

The update also includes additional security measures to protect user data.

Reaction and possible consequences

Samsung’s decision is causing mixed feelings among tech owners: advertising is not technically required, but its introduction into premium home appliances could change attitudes toward «smart» devices.Experts believe the company risks undermining customer confidence if the ads become intrusive or expand to other devices.