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submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks 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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[-] Zachariah@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

The solution to too many unnecessarily-connected devices is more connected devices?

[-] dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

The solution is not more but different connected devices so I can decide for myself what needs to be connected and by which protocol. Get the dumbest device on the market, no wifi, no internal clock, maybe not even a humidity sensor and then, if and only if I need to remote control it, for example to put it on a schedule, I can use the cheapest "smart" device on the market to connect it to an in-house machine that can turn it on and off.

[-] Cocodapuf@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Now you're getting it!

this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
1272 points (100.0% liked)

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