People regret buying Amazon smart displays after being bombarded with ads
The Smart Display Promise vs. The Ad Onslaught Reality
Yesterday morning, I stumbled across a Reddit discussion on r/technews titled “People regret buying Amazon smart displays after being bombarded with ads.” Reddit What caught my eye was how many users expressed regret over devices they once thought would make their lives easier. This isn’t just griping — it’s a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of adding “smart displays” into their home. Below is a distillation of user complaints, reflections on what’s going wrong, and tips for better decisions.
What Users Are Complaining About
From the thread, several recurring issues and themes emerge. Some of the more pointed comments include:
“Wow. Did Amazon really take this route? We threw ours in the closet … and bought a Google home speaker.” Reddit+1
“They do it with the Fire Sticks now too … I turn my TV on and instantly get shown ads without clicking anything, it’s bullshit.” Reddit
Here are the main pain points:
Pervasive ads / push promotions
Many feel the devices turn into ad delivery machines. On the home screen, in routines, at idle — ads keep slipping in.Loss of value in the “smart” promise
Users expected convenience, ambient help, smart home control, etc. Instead, the experience is tainted by commercial interruptions.Privacy & trust concerns
The presence of ads leads users to suspect their data is being mined more aggressively. If a device tries to “sell” to them, how much is it watching in the background?Switching to alternatives
Some have abandoned or hidden their Amazon smart displays altogether, opting for less intrusive smart speakers or devices from competitors.Broader dissatisfaction with ad creep
It’s not limited to smart displays. Users complain that similar ad tactics are now on Amazon’s Fire TV / Fire Stick, and other smart devices. Reddit
Why This Matters
Smart home devices are supposed to be unobtrusive helpers — always ready, seldom distracting. But when the “smart” device begins pushing promotions, it changes its role: from helper to salesperson. That changes user expectations, tolerance, and ultimately trust.
From a business perspective, embedding ads might seem like a way to increase revenue per device. But if it burns goodwill, drives returns, and turns users off the ecosystem entirely, the tradeoff may be worse in the long run.
Additionally, the presence of ads raises the bar for how well these devices must manage privacy assurances. If users feel manipulated or surveilled, even if that’s not fully the case, the perception damage is real.
Lessons & Tips If You’re Considering a Smart Display
If you're in the market for a smart display (or already have one), here are some things to watch out for — and steps you can take:
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Read reviews / user complaints | Reviews often surface how intrusive ads or forced content get. |
| Check settings for “promotional / content offers” | Some systems let you disable or reduce ad exposure. |
| Prefer platforms with stronger ad control / transparency | Companies that commit to “no ads” or minimal interference may be more trustworthy. |
| Place the device in a location less likely to “pop up ads” | For example, in a kitchen or hallway instead of your main living-room display. |
| Use alternative devices for core smart tasks | Smart speakers, voice assistants without screens, etc. can avoid visual ad clutter. |
| Stay alert to software updates | Sometimes new firmware changes ad behavior; read patch notes. |
Final Thoughts
What this thread shows is that consumers’ tolerance for “stealth monetization” is thinner than tech companies might assume. A smart home device shouldn't feel like a billboard in your house. When a product starts pushing ads on its UI, it starts to betray the promise of seamless, helpful automation.
If I were to write this post yesterday, I’d have titled it: “When Your Smart Display Becomes a Billboard: The Cost of Built-in Ads”. The Reddit thread is a timely reminder: in building the “connected home,” respect, trust, and user agency must come first — not revenue streams.
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