this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days 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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[–] Sibshops@lemmy.myserv.one 18 points 4 days ago (19 children)

To steel-man the argument some more, if you have variable-rate electricity, it could turn on when electricity is cheap.

[–] dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de 9 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (13 children)

This can be done with something like Zigbee. Or even simpler: you hook a non-connected device up to a "smart" power socket. No need for the device itself to talk to the outside world.

[–] Zachariah@lemmy.world 5 points 4 days ago (3 children)

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

[–] Cocodapuf@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago

Now you're getting it!

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