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xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier (lemmynsfw.com)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 3 days 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 4 days ago (87 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] 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That's right, this would mean that the device has an api to activate or deactivate it through WiFi by sending it commands and I can make it unable to connect to the outside internet right?

Or I can only activate it with the proprietary app that doesn't even have a working schedule?

Connecting to WiFi is good when I have full control but not when the manufacturer does

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

Yeah, devices that can run fully local are the best. They can be integrated into Home Assistant (or similar), with full control over them. No reliance on a remote server or proprietary app.

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