Samsung will start showing ads on its smart refrigerators, but only in the US for now

Samsung has confirmed that smart refrigerators with Family Hub will start showing ads on their displays. For now, the update will only be available to users in the US.

In a statement sent to Android Authority by the South Korean company, it says that Samsung is committed to "innovating and enhancing the value of services" for its customers. As part of this effort, it is launching a pilot program that will feature various promotions and specially selected advertisements on select Family Hub refrigerator models in the United States.

The company clarifies that the ads will only appear in Cover Screen mode. They will not appear in normal use. In addition, if the user chooses to display photos or artwork for the Cover Screen, the ads will also not be displayed.

Samsung also says that ads can be turned off on the Cover Screen so that certain ads no longer appear during the promotional period. However, it's unclear whether it will be possible to turn off ads completely.

The company didn't specify which refrigerator models will be showing ads. However, even the cheapest versions of the Family Hub in the US cost between $1,800 and $3,500, so it's unlikely that owners of such expensive devices will appreciate such changes. Samsung also hasn't announced plans to introduce ads in other markets yet.

Recall that previously, Samsung refrigerators with the built-in AI Family Hub system also learned to distinguish the voices of family members.