You paid for it. So why is your device showing ads?

You paid for the product. So why does it feel like the company still controls the screen? That is the question more of us are starting to ask as smart devices get updated long after we bring them home. A refrigerator can show ads in your kitchen. A car can flash offers on the dashboard. Even a Windows 11 computer can surface promotions before you get to work.

The frustrating part is that this often happens through software updates. You tap update because you want your device to stay secure and work properly.