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

  • Simulation6@sopuli.xyz
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    2 days ago

    I bought a washer that has wifi connectivity. It want to texts me or something when the cycle is finished and doesn’t even seem to have a ‘play a loud beep when done’ option. How does this make any sense at all?

      • Railcar8095@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I think we aren’t yet used to machines fucking us over in unexpected ways for that sweet sweet spying/ad revenue.

        Like, who would have asked 10 years ago “will my TV show extra ads?”. Now it’s hard to get one that doesn’t have them. And dishwashers are next

      • Simulation6@sopuli.xyz
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        2 days ago

        Ok sure. What I really did was buy a new washer that was on sale and I got $100 off. Maybe I will have it connect to my neighbors WiFi, since they never secured it.