this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 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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[–] NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk 11 points 4 weeks ago (4 children)

I feel like I'd benefit from a smart dehumidifier.

I'm on a Time Of Use tariff where my electricity is very cheap at night. I'd like to be able to schedule for it to come on for those 5hrs in the winter to take the moisture out of my shed-office. It achieves nothing to put it on a smart meter as you have to physically press go on the dehumidifier

[–] Shayeta@feddit.org 11 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Unless you have an even dumber dehumidifier that starts working the moment you plug it in.

[–] NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk 2 points 4 weeks ago

Yeah, I wish I did but alas not

Just use a smart timer with a dehumidifier that either doesn't have a switch, or has an analog one that can stay in the on position when power is off

[–] JamesBoeing737MAX@sopuli.xyz 3 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Just use a power timer or whatever those devices are called.

[–] chatokun@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

They just said the smart timers/meters don't work. Maybe a non internet one with some regular timers. I have grow lights that have 12, 6, or 3 hour timers that repeat the start time daily as long as a power outage doesn't reset them.

Lower tech solution that would probably work for them, but someone would still have to make it. Not sure if they exist but wouldn't be surprised if they do.

[–] cdf12345@lemmy.zip 4 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

You need a smart button pressing device. Something like :

https://amzn.to/40vd8SN

I have not used this personally, but I have a home assistant setup that does operate based on real time energy prices and it’s awesome.

[–] NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk 1 points 4 weeks ago

Hah, that's a cool solution [no pun intended]

[–] Robust_Mirror@aussie.zone 1 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

I guess you have one with a digital on switch? Because every appliance I've ever owned with an analogue power switch can be left in on state for things like this.

[–] NotJohnSmith@feddit.uk 2 points 4 weeks ago

Yup, spot on, I didn't explain it clearly enough but how you articulate it is better: it does indeed have a digital "On" switch so just giving it power doesn't achieve what I need