Users will soon have to see ads on their refrigerators.

Samsung has begun testing ads on its Family Hub refrigerator screens in the US, raising concerns among users about their experience with the high-end device.

Family Hub is Samsung's high-end smart refrigerator line. Photo: CNET .

Users of Samsung's Family Hub smart refrigerator line in the US will start seeing ads appear on their screens following a new software update.

According to Android Authority , Samsung confirmed that this is a pilot program aimed at “enhancing everyday value for home appliance customers.” Ads and promotions will appear when the refrigerator screen is in standby mode, instead of being blank as before.

The South Korean tech giant said ads will not appear when users enable other modes like Art Mode or photo album slideshows. Additionally, certain ads may be hidden and will not appear again during the campaign period.

What is noteworthy is that Samsung's statement does not mention that users can completely turn off ads. This is a detail that makes many consumers wonder, because the selling price of Family Hub refrigerators is not cheap, ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 USD . Currently, it is unclear whether all Family Hub models are participating in the test or only certain product lines.

This move is also surprising when compared to previous statements from Samsung leaders. In April, Mr. Jeong Seung Moon, Director of the company's digital device research and development department, shared with The Verge that Samsung had no plans to integrate advertising into the screens of smart home devices. However, with Family Hub, the company seems to have changed its mind in a short time.

Family Hub is Samsung's premium line of smart refrigerators, with a large touchscreen that allows users to access the Internet, manage food, listen to music, watch videos , or connect to devices in the smart home ecosystem. Over the years, the product has been positioned as an entertainment center and home utility management right in the kitchen.

Samsung’s experiment with refrigerator advertising raises questions about the line between utility and user experience. While the company calls it a way to “deliver value,” many are concerned that appliances that cost thousands of dollars are now becoming an unintended advertising channel.

Samsung has not yet announced the end of the trial period or plans for a wider rollout.

Source: https://znews.vn/nguoi-dung-sap-phai-xem-quang-cao-tren-tu-lanh-post1586860.html