Consumers increasingly invest in smart appliances, expecting them to last as long as their traditional counterparts—typically 10-12 years. However, software support for these devices often lags far behind their hardware lifespan, leaving consumers at risk of losing features or facing security vulnerabilities. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Limited Software Support Policies

• Only 3 brands (GE, Fisher & Paykel, and Vissani) explicitly guarantee software updates for a set period.
• Vissani’s policy (via Afero) provides updates for at least 2 years post-launch, with potential extensions.
• Most brands either do not disclose update policies or provide vague assurances without time frames.
• Transparency issues: Many manufacturers fail to disclose policies in publicly accessible documents, often requiring direct inquiries.

2. Mismatched Expectations

• Consumers expect large appliances to last 10+ years, according to a Consumer Reports survey.
• The longest stated software support is 5 years (e.g., GE Appliances).
• Lack of long-term software updates may lead to features becoming unusable or security risks emerging, forcing users to disconnect devices prematurely.

3. Consumer Rights and Regulatory Gaps

• Without transparent policies, consumers cannot make informed decisions.
• Software tethering keeps devices reliant on manufacturers, limiting users’ ownership rights.
• Experts have urged the FTC to mandate clear, minimum support periods for connected products.

4. Scoring Methodology for Transparency

Experts evaluated brands based on their public statements and direct responses:
- 0.5: Vague or warranty-only references.
- 1.5: Mention of updates but no defined period.
- 3.5: Clear firmware update claims without a time frame.
- 5.5: Defined support time frame (even as short as 1 year).
- NF: No information found or available.

Brand Rankings on Software Support

| Brand | Score | Remarks |
|----------------------|-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Fisher & Paykel | 5.5 | Guarantees updates for 5 years post-launch or 2 years from purchase, whichever is longer. |
| GE | 5.5 | Same policy as Fisher & Paykel; requires SmartHQ app for details. |
| Vissani | 5.5 | Via Afero, supports for 2+ years and notifies users a year before support ends. |
| Amana | 4.5 | Promises updates but no fixed duration. |
| Whirlpool | 4.5 | Promises updates but lacks a time frame. |
| Bosch | 1.5 | Mentions updates but without clear details. |
| Kenmore | 1.5 | Promises updates without time frame; limited clarity. |
| Samsung | 0.5 | Vague mention of updates; no commitment to duration. |
| Electrolux | 0.5 | Minimal transparency. |
| Frigidaire | NF | No policies found. |
| LG | NF | No policies found. |
| Speed Queen | NF | No policies found. |

5. What You Can Do

• Research before buying: Check if the manufacturer provides clear software update policies.
• Factor in software lifespan: If updates are limited, consider the device’s expected feature longevity.
• Push for transparency: Advocate for clear, enforceable commitments from manufacturers.
• Secure smart appliances: Disconnect devices from the internet when updates are no longer provided to mitigate risks.

Bottom Line

Smart appliances can offer convenience, but unclear or short-lived software support leaves consumers vulnerable. Until manufacturers commit to matching support timelines with appliance lifespans, buying a smart appliance could turn into a costly gamble.

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