this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 23 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours 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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[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 43 points 18 hours ago (5 children)

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.

[–] LilaOrchideen@feddit.org 20 points 16 hours 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.

[–] TeddE@lemmy.world 25 points 18 hours 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.

[–] alekwithak@lemmy.world 14 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

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

[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 1 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

I need to look into this and see if I can have it send me a text or something when it’s full. Another diy project to add to the list.

[–] rumba@lemmy.zip 2 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

This is the around the long way method, but it'll start you on a crippling hobby to instrument your entire life.

Raspberry Pi home assistant zigbee USB zigbee water sensor.

you could stop here at notifications.

or

Descend into madness, put a small ac submersible pump into your dehumidifier tray with a smart outlet. When the sensor trips full, have it run the submersible pump for x minutes.

[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 2 points 13 hours ago

Jokes on you I have like 5 raspberry pi’s that aren’t doing anything labeled future projects.

[–] alekwithak@lemmy.world 2 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 4 hours ago)

Hey if your list of projects isn't insurmountable what are you even doing with your life?

Most carriers have an email to sms gateway address Usually your number@carrier.com or similar.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 2 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

Do they at least tell you how wet your wifi is?

[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 2 points 13 hours ago

Haha no they don’t which is why I went with one that didn’t have WiFi to save like 20$