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

  • ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    3 days ago

    I’ve looked into many WiFi dehumidifier’s and the one thing I wanted from it was to notify my phone if it’s full. None of them do that. All they do is let you change speed and stuff. Nothing that is important to me. I just want to know if I need to go to the basement and empty it or not.

    • joenforcer@midwest.socialEnglish
      1·
      24 hours ago

      Pet Wirecutter, Midea and Frigidaire both have smart options that have full bucket notifications. It’s baffling that they don’t advertise that feature in their product listings, though.

      • ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        24 hours ago

        Welp if they don’t advertise it I’m not going to buy it. I bought the “dumb” Frigidaire because the smart features they list are just turn on and off and fan speed. Why wouldn’t they list full bucket ffs. Oh well time to diy solution it.

    • TeddE@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      3 days ago

      Right? Like half of what I want from these things is when is the battery low? When is the outbox full? When is the feeder empty? And metrics to verify the device is generally operating safely.

      Controlling the device? We’ve known how to do that for 50+ years. Help me maintain the device.

    • LilaOrchidee@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      I put mine on a zigbee plug into my home assistant (docker on nas), and created an automation to notify me when the power consumption drops below 1 W or so (lower than when it’s only running the fan when the hunidity is near setpoint). All local, works so far.

      • TFO Winder@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        That’s really interesting, i was looking into Zigbee plug documentation, could not find if i can program them myself. Do i need to use their propritery app for whatever it does ?

        How did you integrate the plug into existing home automation system ?

        • LilaOrchidee@feddit.orgEnglish
          3·
          2 days ago

          I’m using “home assistant” and add them there via the zigbee integration.

          Edit: I have the Nous zigbee sockets, never used any other app than home assistant to do anything with them. They also have a small button with a light so you can still switch them on/off without any app. Via home assistant you can read out various info like power, current etc

    • alekwithak@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      I feel you, trying to find a smart gadget that is actually smart in 2025 and not just a data collector is nearly impossible. Learning to DIY a lot of these projects. Throw one of these or similar in there with a little control board set to email you if 0 changes to 1 or w/e