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

  • @anomnom@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    33 days ago

    Dehumidifiers aren’t there to make your house more comfortable though, they are there to keep (usually basements or garages) from growing mold. In fact they usually heat up the space they’re in. So unless you want to have a log of humidity, there’s stop no reason to automate it over WiFi, since the humidity setting on the unit is automatic.

    • Captain Aggravated
      link
      fedilink
      English
      33 days ago

      As others have said, an alert if the tank is full would be legitimately useful, for a model that doesn’t have a drain line.

        • originalucifer
          link
          fedilink
          13 days ago

          and youre both wrong for assuming the temperature and humidity are the only reasons to want to control this device. It literally generates water as output… god forbid my home automation wants to manage that output.