My 'future-proof' TV has stopped updating apps

I bought a TV from Currys Digital for £1,000 in November 2009, which was sold as ‘future-proof’ and would have lots of apps to download. A handful of new apps, such as Facebook, were added but then they were removed. When I contacted Samsung last year about the lack of new apps, the company said it was no longer making any for this television.
Paul Sheriff

We believe that no electronic device, including computers, TVs and games consoles, should be sold as ‘future proof’. It raises false expectations for the customer, as neither the manufacturer nor retailer can predict what technology will emerge even a year or two down the line. Dazzling new features can soon be superseded by others, while new services can be withdrawn if they fail to earn money. Mr Sheriff has complained to both Currys and Samsung about the issue. Samsung, according to Mr Sheriff, told him his complaint should be directed towards Currys. In return, Currys highlighted that the lack of apps for the TV is Samsung’s responsibility because the manufacturer developed the apps.

Whether Mr Sheriff has any legal redress is not clear.  His contract is with Currys. He could argue that the TV is not fit for purpose as one of his prime reasons for buying was to enjoy the range of apps promised in future. This argument would hinge on the assertion that the retailer did not carry out due diligence to ensure that the TV would be fit for future developments. But a lack of new apps does not necessarily mean that this would be the case, and he would have to prove what ‘future proof’ means in a legal context.

Mr Sheriff’s contract of sale is with Currys Digital, so he can’t make a claim against Samsung. We contacted Samsung to ask why after two years it ceased support for apps for such an expensive TV. We believe Mr Barker would have great difficulty proving that Currys is at fault in this case, but we will let him and you know what the companies tell us.