this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by xkcdbot@lemmy.world to c/xkcd@lemmy.world
 

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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[โ€“] programmer_belch@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 10 months 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

[โ€“] bob_lemon@feddit.org 3 points 10 months 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.