Samsung will not distribute paid apps on its smart TV and connected Blu-Ray platforms anymore. The manufacturer notified users of the change via email at the end of March and is also issuing refunds to users who bought paid utilities on its smart TV platform. Samsung has stated that there will be a few applications that will continue to function after the termination of paid apps, and that customers who bought those applications will not be eligible for a refund. Users who bought applications that will be removed from Smart Hub will stand a chance to get a refund. It is clear that Samsung was not able to find enough traction with this model on its smart TV platform, and as a result will only offer free utilities on its TVs going forward.
The manufacturer also clarified that the change will not affect streaming services like Netflix. In the smart TV FAQ section, Samsung said, “This only affects applications that were purchased from the Samsung TV Apps Store. This doesn’t affect any video on demand or music services that you subscribe to like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, M-GO, Redbox Instant by Verizon, Pandora or Spotify. You will still be able to use these applications.”
