Samsung's Smart Fridge Update Freezes Appliances, Spoils Food
Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update
Samsung halted a SmartThings update for smart refrigerators in Korea after owners reported fridges stopped working, food spoiled, and features like automatic doors and interior lights failed. The company confirmed the issue, called it an error during testing, and is taking emergency measures through service centers. The incident raises questions about how a work-in-progress update reached users and highlights the risks of connected appliances.
Yesterday (9/22), an error occurred during the testing process for a Samsung refrigerator software update. Abnormal symptoms have been observed in the refrigerator power and screen of some customers. We are currently taking emergency measures as a top priority through Samsung Electronics Service Centers.
- diskzero
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.
- phkahler
Reminds me of when Nest thermostats stopped turning on the furnace without an internet connection. If your product fails at its primary job because of some other priority its junk. A thermostat can be as simple as a coiled spring with a mercury switch - no software. Same here, what stupid functionality was so important they failed to ensure the fridge would fridge?
IoT is not for me.
- abroszka33
I'm starting to hate all smart devices. I love my dumb devices that need no updates, internet or subscription. They just work.
- heisenbit
Likely not just rotten food but also spoilt medicine. Content of my fridge is a lot more expensive than the fridge.
- thesuitonym
The R in IoT stands for reliability.
- childofhedgehog
My 1984 HotPoint fridge with water and ice still works just fine other than occasional defrost leaks underneath. I pray I never have to replace it, but I have seen a few vintage ones like mine in perfect condition for sale. Adding more technology has not made these things last any longer, but it does add some convenience I suppose. I would prefer a 40+ year lifespan over a potential to brick the device during a test…
- oldsklgdfth
Smart devices have missed the bit. There's no good reason for an appliance manufacturer to seek out selling data/ad revenue. Other than you can.
In general home assistant, with exception of apple, have zero or negative margins on the hardware. But the model is to recoup it from ads. It's a model. It works better with software. Ex. Youtube is free, but there are ads. Youtube with no ads, would probably be prohibitive to most or just no be built.
Appliances make money. Fridges make money, the same way cars make money. Trying to add the ad model revenue stream into hardware is a square peg.
The results is trash hardware. Like ads in your Jeep car.
It is unfortunate that see this direction. I would gladly quit my job and just build fridges that last forever. Might become a side project.
- invader
Did Gilfoyle hack Jian Yang's smart fridge again?