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

  • NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk
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    1 day ago

    I feel like I’d benefit from a smart dehumidifier.

    I’m on a Time Of Use tariff where my electricity is very cheap at night. I’d like to be able to schedule for it to come on for those 5hrs in the winter to take the moisture out of my shed-office. It achieves nothing to put it on a smart meter as you have to physically press go on the dehumidifier

    • AwesomeLowlander@sh.itjust.works
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      24 hours ago

      Just use a smart timer with a dehumidifier that either doesn’t have a switch, or has an analog one that can stay in the on position when power is off

    • Shayeta@feddit.org
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      1 day ago

      Unless you have an even dumber dehumidifier that starts working the moment you plug it in.

      • chatokun@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        1 day ago

        They just said the smart timers/meters don’t work. Maybe a non internet one with some regular timers. I have grow lights that have 12, 6, or 3 hour timers that repeat the start time daily as long as a power outage doesn’t reset them.

        Lower tech solution that would probably work for them, but someone would still have to make it. Not sure if they exist but wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

    • Robust Mirror@aussie.zone
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      1 day ago

      I guess you have one with a digital on switch? Because every appliance I’ve ever owned with an analogue power switch can be left in on state for things like this.

      • NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk
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        24 hours ago

        Yup, spot on, I didn’t explain it clearly enough but how you articulate it is better: it does indeed have a digital “On” switch so just giving it power doesn’t achieve what I need