Smart gadgets are no longer the norm.
Samsung made this clear when it announced earlier this month that it could remotely disable any Samsung TV that is connected to the internet. This announcement was made Aug. 6, in response to thefts of unspecified numbers of TVs in South Africa in July. It was most likely the first time that many customers had heard about Samsung's TV Block Function.
This feature allows Samsung to remotely verify if "TV units are unduly activated" and "is pre-loaded on all Samsung TVs." It appears that "looted TVs" fall under the category of undue activation.
TV Block can remotely disable a Samsung TV if it gets a hit on an Internet-connected Samsung TV serial number. Modern smart TVs are built around an internet connection and customer surveillance.
Samsung did not respond to our request to find out how many TVs were remotely disabled by TV Block.
However, the company is proud of its accomplishments and shared their previously untold talents on Twitter. These responses were not enthusiastic.
"You can remotely brick your TV?" "I will not purchase Samsung again and will keep my existing TV offline," said one reply.
Another said, "Not buying a Samsung television." Thanks for the heads-up!
The August 6 statement stated that "the technology's goal is to reduce the creation of secondary market connections to the sale illegal goods both in South Africa as well as beyond its borders."
Samsung was asked by us about the concerns of paying customers via social media regarding TV Block. We specifically inquired about the possibility that Samsung might remotely disable a customer’s TV. We received no response.
Samsung partially addresses this issue in a statement. However, it sounds awfully painful.
"Should a customer's television be blocked incorrectly, it is possible to restore functionality once proof of purchase has been provided and a valid license for the TV has been shared with a licensed retailer."
This statement does not mention any compensation for those who are forced to go through this experience.
Anyone who follows the trends in "smart" gadgets will be familiar with Samsung's claim that it can reach customers' homes and, if it so chooses, claw back their purchases.
SEE ALSO: How to Make Your Smart TV a Little Dumb (And Why you Should)
Samsung's ability remotely disable all its customers' TVs is just one aspect of ongoing debate about company control over internet of things gadgets. Another aspect of the ongoing debate about company control over internet-of-things gadgets is that every company has decided to stop supporting old smart gadgets that are not profitable. This renders legitimately bought and functional items unusable.
You don't own an internet-connected smart device if you buy it. This simply means that you can have it until the manufacturer changes its mind.
