News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator. Parent comment

Re:Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator by denom on Monday December 14, 2015 @02:52PM (#10733323)
There is a ongoing internal friction in the software development process. We rely on capitalized business processes to self-correct against dramatic failures like this. This is not a failure of society, it's a failure to appropriately contextualize this software with regards the business that backs it.

Rather than being built in, this "calendar" should be android/iOS tablet that's attached to the refrigerator with magnets. It should be thrown in the trash every couple years and replaced with a new one. According to the interests of Google/Apple (as evidenced by their software updates).

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator by Pxtl on Monday December 14, 2015 @04:18PM (#10733944)
Yup. Just put a USB port and a recessed frame in the fridge door and say "hey, it comes with a free Galaxy Tab 4 8" device! And a box of magnets and crazy glue!

Same thing with "Smart TVs". Just put some extra powered USB ports on the back next to the HDMI port and bundle it with a TV stick.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator by ansible on Monday December 14, 2015 @05:09PM (#10734339)
I wish the car companies would take that attitude too. I keep my cars a long time, and I don't think it will be useful to be running a 10 year old version of Android on it. Just let me treat the car (or other appliance) like a peripheral, which would require minimal ongoing support, and let me upgrade the smarts as needed.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator by TranquilMarmot on Tuesday December 15, 2015 @01:37PM (#10739515)
This is exactly why when I went to go buy a new car, I made sure it was "dumb" (no built-in GPS or control system or anything, just a stereo). Technology changes so fast, I don't want my car to be running on some processor and OS that will seem "ancient" in 10 years.

I have GPS and internet radio on my phone that I upgrade every few years, why would I want it in my car that I upgrade maybe every 10 years?

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Can't sign in to Google calendar on my Samsung refrigerator by mlonkibjuyhv on Monday December 14, 2015 @05:04PM (#10734302)
Yup, smart devices are stupid when they should be dumb.
[ Parent | on HN ]