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this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2025
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Coming soon (if not already): TVs with utility cellular connections or corpo network (like Amazon sidewalk) access that your neighbor may have not opted out of.
I find it highly likely that TVs will soon cease to function without an internet connection, complete with some BS explanation about protecting your privacy or security.
I can't set my dryer to medium heat unless I do so with an app over the internet even though the controls exist to do it on the unit. I bought a window AC unit and the only remote control is an app - thankfully I was able to put that on a subnet with no internet gateway and it still works.
Name them. Bosch does this with some functions too. I bought the model below and didn’t care about delayed start or whatever. I am not loading your app!
I swear we need to start some appliance hacking clubs or something to sidestep this crap.
It's an LG dryer.
I'd have to go look up the window unit. Its almost certainly a white labeled OEM who's advertised brand no longer exists, though.
such things should be brought back to the store as defective
Why did you buy those devices?
Neither mentioned a network connection was required. The AC unit didn't mention it at all, and consumer reports mentioned the dryer had "smart features" and an app but never said basic controls were locked behind a network connection
"For child safety!!!111"
Broadcast TV is already going that way. ATSC 3 requires an internet connection to get decoding keys. For your protection, of course.
I mean, a camera is an easy thing to block, as long as you're aware of it, understand the implications, and have the desire to block it. Just obstruct the lens. Roll of black electrical tape, put a strip over it, done. Now, most people out there may not actually do so...
Only becomes an issue if other services that you actually want are tied to the camera, or if the TV refuses to operate without a usable picture of the viewer or something.
Pictures are far from the only thing to worry about.
Luckily my neighbors are way out of WiFi range and there is barely enough cell service here to send a text from inside the house.
How close are you to a starlink constellations orbital path, now that they can be connected to via cellular modems?
That doesn't support data yet. Data will probably cost a fortune when they enable it. I doubt anyone will be willing to pay that much to serve ads. If they do, then the antenna will be replaced with a dummy load.
this sounds terrible
Coming soon: a screwdriver and a soldering iron
a quick reminder that the 5G standard defined a peer to ~~pear~~ peer operating mode for smart devices
Pear to pear communication.
that was a good one :) fixed the typo
Some TVs already have the ability to connect to sidewalk. More worrying is that every newer "Smart" TV has the ability to cast to it so if anyone ever does that using an internet connected device like a SmartPhone then bam...your TV just got an internet connection and can now send out stored data and potentially grab a firmware update.
Surprise!