Security News > 2020 > June > Smart fridges are cool, but after a few short years you could be stuck with a big frosty brick in the kitchen

Smart fridges are cool, but after a few short years you could be stuck with a big frosty brick in the kitchen
2020-06-08 08:30

A report from consumer advocates Which? highlights the shockingly short lifespan of "Smart" appliances, with some losing software support after just a few years, despite costing vastly more than "Dumb" alternatives.

Some devices like Samsung's Smart Fridge Freezers include large touchscreen displays, allowing users to do tasks that would otherwise be performed on a smartphone or computer.

Smart dishwashers are £259 more on average, while smart tumble driers command a premium of £190.

If a manufacturer decides to withdraw software support, or switch off central servers, users could find themselves with a big, frosty brick in their kitchen.

Following publication of the article, Samsung made contact to contest the report from Which? A spokesperson said its smart fridge security updates are guaranteed for up to two years, in line with the product warranty period, but emphasised that "It is not limited to two years".


News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2020/06/08/smart_fridges_support_periods/