Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration dates?

Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by winternett on Friday February 07, 2020 @02:01PM (#22269451)

Some instances of software truly need the Internet to run, E.G. Facebook or GTA Online. Many software tools don't need that connection to run, but are heavily embedded with connection dependencies like a calculator app (stable technology). Many of these apps and devices become totally useless if an active connection is not available. This is a bad move companies make all the time to encourage our dependence. The same goes for Hardware -- Do you really need to send a Tweet from your refrigerator?

Identifying the frivolous items that do not need to be Internet reliant and avoiding them altogether might be the key to sanity, unless you want GE logging each time you open your refrigerator door and spying on what you buy and store in it.

This discussion ties into so many issues faced in modern day society. Technology should serve in making life easier, less expensive, and more efficient for all of us, not in manipulating our emotions, costing more over time, and in tracking our decisions and movements.

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by LeftHandPath on Friday February 07, 2020 @02:23PM (#22269714)

I’ve been harassing my dad for ages over his purchase of a WiFi-enabled LG fridge.

Neither of us know why it’s connected - but it is, and it proudly displays a WiFi icon with a backlit LED right above the water dispenser.

The only thing you can possibly gain from a WiFi-enabled fridge (it has no voice commands, no screen, etc) is just being monitored and/or hacked. There is literally no benefit to the consumer from having WiFi on that device.

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by DaiPlusPlus on Friday February 07, 2020 @04:36PM (#22271234)

> The only thing you can possibly gain from a WiFi-enabled fridge (it has no voice commands, no screen, etc) is just being monitored and/or hacked. There is literally no benefit to the consumer from having WiFi on that device.

Does it at least have cameras inside the main cavity so you can see what you're short-of on your phone when you're at the supermarket?

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by bordercases on Friday February 07, 2020 @05:48PM (#22271975)

Take a photo before you go mate

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by blowski on Friday February 07, 2020 @02:47PM (#22270068)

I agree that I can’t imagine what genuine benefit an internet-enabled fridge could have, but out of curiosity, what benefits do they list in the manual?

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by bosswipe on Friday February 07, 2020 @07:25PM (#22272677)

There's an app that let's you do a few things like remotely tell it to make extra ice or notify you if the door was left open.

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by winternett on Friday February 07, 2020 @02:42PM (#22269996)

Probably take some time to remove the network password, and/or block the IP at your router level?

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by inetknght on Friday February 07, 2020 @05:09PM (#22271595)

> Some instances of software truly need the Internet to run, E.G. Facebook or GTA Online.

No, they don't need the "internet" to run. They just need the services that are currently proprietary.

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by imoverclocked on Friday February 07, 2020 @05:49PM (#22271982)

... unless referring to the highly customized ads provided by the platform.

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Re:Software-dependent devices: do they now need expiration d... by inetknght on Friday February 07, 2020 @05:53PM (#22272012)

...which should never be a "requirement"

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