How long do Samsung smart devices have software support?

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People have dreamed of smart homes since the 1800s, but the technology available today is light years away from the electric lights and early telephones of that era. Now it is entirely possible to have your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher manufactured by a single company and have them run automatically according to a schedule. However, with modern conveniences comes modern problems, including software bugs and firmware updates. Just try explaining that to someone from the Victorian era!

The good news is that one of the most prolific tech companies, Samsung, is promising to support Wi-Fi-connected smart devices for up to seven years after their original launch date. The bad news is that there are exceptions to this promise.

For example, your location isn’t taken into account at all, meaning products that take longer to arrive in your country may not get the full seven years of software updates. Samsung also says it can always end support early if hardware limitations make future additional updates impossible.

This does not mean that your device will stop working immediately after software updates stop. In fact, a Samsung device could remain functional indefinitely as long as the physical parts continue to work. Samsung also offers a trade-in program, offering to take your old device back and offer a discount on a newer model. That’s not a bad deal, but it means you’re locked into the Samsung ecosystem and SmartThings app, which your other devices might not support.

Smart devices have the potential to streamline the boring aspects of life, whether it’s remembering a recipe, making a shopping list, or even properly planning a cookout. The biggest drawbacks of smart devices include the risk of unauthorized access and limited functionality in places without stable internet. Samsung even shows ads on its smart refrigerators, but you can at least turn them off.

There’s also cost: you’ll generally pay more for a smart device than its “dumb” counterpart. Best Buy’s cheapest 24-inch wide standard refrigerator costs around $500. The cheapest smart refrigerator, with the same width and slightly larger volume, costs almost $800. If the idea of ​​an included Wi-Fi camera to see what’s inside without opening the door appeals to you, a smart refrigerator could be a solid investment. That said, disappointing functionality is one of the main reasons people abandon smart refrigerators, so think carefully before committing.

There are also privacy issues to consider. Smart devices connect to apps so you can control and monitor them remotely, but that also means giving them access to personal information, although it’s not always clear why. Samsung washing machines, for example, want access to your location, contact list, and photos in addition to the information needed to create a Samsung account. It might not be the end of the world for some people, but if the idea of ​​smart devices passively collecting data freaks you out, it might be best to stick with conventional devices.