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xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier (lemmynsfw.com)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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

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[–] [email protected] 91 points 2 days ago (86 children)

welll........ devils advocate.. i could see the wifi being used so the device can be incorporated into the home automation system [climate control]. its not about dehumidifying, its solely about engaging the dehumidifying as needed.

[–] [email protected] 138 points 2 days ago (25 children)

Yeah, or the manufacturer bricks the device bcz they want to sell you a new one.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (13 children)

Literally nobody is doing this shit.

[–] [email protected] 24 points 2 days ago

They didn’t brick it, but the Nest thermostats that customers bought before Google acquired the company will be offline only now. No opening of the firmware, so they’ll become useless at some point, and already have lost major functionality.

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