this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week 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] 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I work at a dispensary. In theory this could actually be helpful for my job.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

In theory the IoT could be secure. -In theory.

[–] [email protected] 25 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Do they have a model with AI?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago
[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 week ago

Shh shh shh, don't give them ideas.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 week 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

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 week ago

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

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 week 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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week 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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week 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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week 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

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Yeah, I wish I did but alas not

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