xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier

Title text:

It’s important for devices to have internet connectivity so the manufacturer can patch remote exploits.

Transcript:

[A store salesman, Hairy, is showing Cueball a dehumidifier, with a “SALE” label on it. Several other unidentified devices, possibly other dehumidifier models, are shown in the store as well.]

Salesman: This dehumidifier model features built-in WiFi for remote updates.
Cueball: Great! That will be really useful if they discover a new kind of water.

Source: https://xkcd.com/3109/

explainxkcd for #3109

  • veni_vedi_veni@lemmy.worldEnglish
    222·
    1 month ago

    Any appliance with IoT is a value-subtract.

    They do it so in the future they can monetize you in perpetuity in some way

    • boonhet@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      91·
      1 month ago

      I can see value in HVAC IoT. Away from home and there’s a cold spell? Turn up the heating so your pipes don’t freeze, but also run it higher when electricity is cheaper (if you have variable pricing).

      I don’t think I’d want my microwave, washing machine, or toilet to have IoT features though.

      • Aa!@lemmy.worldEnglish
        41·
        1 month ago

        I want my washing machine to notify my phone when a cycle completes… But maybe not quite that much

        • boonhet@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          8·
          1 month ago

          Mine chimes a quaint little song. It’s enough because it can be heard pretty much anywhere in the house unless I’m in the basement. If I’m not home, the notification wouldn’t be particularly useful - I might as well just check when I get home.

          I mean the idea isn’t the absolute worst. I just don’t think it’s a huge QoL improvement either.

      • ShouldIHaveFun@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        1 month ago

        Any decent heating system will have a thermostat which will activate the heating when it’s getting cold. Also no need for internet to be able to setup the time when electricity is cheaper. It’s not like it’s something you need to do regularly. Setting this all up directly on the heating system works well enough.