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

  • anomnom@sh.itjust.works
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    19 days ago

    Dehumidifiers aren’t there to make your house more comfortable though, they are there to keep (usually basements or garages) from growing mold. In fact they usually heat up the space they’re in. So unless you want to have a log of humidity, there’s stop no reason to automate it over WiFi, since the humidity setting on the unit is automatic.

      • NJSpradlin@lemmy.world
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        4 days ago

        Hell, mine is in the crawl space. How the fuck often am I going to go in there to check on it to see if it hasn’t tripped the outlet recently and is still working? WiFi on this and the pump would be amazing for home integration, maintenance, and management.

        • originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com
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          19 days ago

          and youre both wrong for assuming the temperature and humidity are the only reasons to want to control this device. It literally generates water as output… god forbid my home automation wants to manage that output.