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submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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[-] [email protected] 3 points 10 hours ago

Why not plug a dumb dehumidifier into a Home Assistant controlled outlet?

[-] [email protected] 3 points 10 hours ago

Yes, this is generally what can be done. Disadvantages include:

  • having to buy yet another device
  • knowing which dehumidifier will start working as soon as it gets electricity. The ones sold in my country are all no name brands with little information if they will work or not and few spec sheets.
this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
1174 points (99.3% liked)

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