IoT Mastercard app launched for Samsung's smart fridge
MasterCard has launched its IoT app to support the Samsung Family Hub fridge (reportedly retailing for around $6,000), which allows groceries to be ordered at the fridge. The Groceries by MasterCard app, which is exclusively for this fridge, connects to FreshDirect and ShopRite to create easy hassle free shopping from the home. The app includes a voice search mechanism and barcode scanning functionality. 

The vision of a refrigerator — and internet of things — that can facilitate home shopping has been realized.

MasterCard several days ago quietly released its iOS app to support a partnership with Samsung it announced last January. The new Groceries by MasterCard app connects to Samsung’s Family Hub Refrigerator for “standing in front of the fridge” ordering through ShopRite or FreshDirect. MyWebGrocer was also said to be a shopping partner, but the online vendor does not appear to be a part of the v1.0 release. MyWebGrocer is a partner of ShopRite’s, and may power its participation in MasterCard’s venture.

Samsung’s smart, networked refrigerators cost about $6,000.

The MasterCard app is solely for the fridge. There is not even a sign-up option within the app, which was released on iTunes on April 28 and Google Play on April 27. No users have rated the app as of today.

According to MasterCard, the app allows users to order products through FreshDirect and ShopRite “grocery aisles,” tagging brands and products they like for future reference. The app includes barcode scanning functionality, as well as voice search.

When news of the app first appeared last January, MasterCard said the Groceries app would also learn a family’s habits, and make relevant recommendations — making it a “smart” fridge. But that functionality is not mentioned in the iTunes description.