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Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update

247 points · 284 comments · Markoff

  1. diskzero · · focus · HN ↗
    We ended up with a Samsung fridge in our new home. It has no external display or any other indication that it is a "smart" fridge. I only found out when a friend visited who has a Samsung phone and the phone offered to connect to the fridge. We spent the next 30 minutes removing panels from the fridge and found the wifi/bluetooth antenna on a small board under the top-right hinge cover. The board was disconnected and the fridge continues to operate normally.

    I am now eyeing my dishwasher very suspiciously.

    1. cogman10 · · focus · HN ↗
      Samsung has made garbage appliances for my entire life. A family member went through about 3 different samsung fridges before they swore them off for good. The compressor would routinely break after only a year or 2 of service.

      I will never own a Samsung or LG appliance. They are built almost explicitly to force you to get a new one in a couple of years.

      Then couple that with both companies trying to use weaselly legal maneuvers like putting the EULA that agrees to arbitration on the outside of a box and saying "If you open this box you agree to the EULA".

      1. malfist · · focus · HN ↗
        Why are you throwing LG in with Samsung? They routinely have some of the most durable appliances, check consumer reports if you don't believe me. They even offer ten year warranty on their direct drive washer and dryers
        1. KetoManx64 · · focus · HN ↗
          Must be a different branch than the TV's, which spy on what you're talking about
          1. serf · · focus · HN ↗
            I understand the axe to grind, but what about their spy tech hurts durability or warranty prospects; the thing your comments' parent was talking about?
            1. KetoManx64 · · focus · HN ↗
              Do you not think it's relevant to mention to people that the appliance that they have in their house might be listening to everything they're saying and uploading it to LG's servers? A quick Google search shows that LG has WiFi enabled dishwashers/washing machines.
              1. IAmBroom · · focus · HN ↗
                Simply providing a "smart" appliance is not damning the entire product line.
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