LG threatens to put Wi-Fi in every appliance it releases in 2017

Discussion in 'hardware' started by TheWindBringeth, Jan 7, 2017.

  1. TheWindBringeth

    TheWindBringeth Registered Member

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    http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2017/01/lg-wi-fi-in-everything/

     
  2. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Threatens? :rolleyes:
     
  3. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    What happens with their appliances if you don't connect them to internet? Will refrigerator work normally or would it stop it's original function?
    In long run most appliances will probably have an option to connect to net. I also expect that their will be some vendors that will offer models for security and privacy cautious users without those functions. For some extra money off course :)
     
  4. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Nothing will happen. No way would the refrigerator cease to keep food properly chilled or frozen.

    LG cannot force consumers to have an Internet connection, or force users to allow Internet access for this device. Just as it is now with smart TVs, Blu-ray players, etc. users can always block access in their routers.

    Without Internet access, your milk will still be kept at 37°F and your ice cream at 0°C, and your ice maker will still make ice. But you will not be able to look up recipes, get the weather, or order food, etc. And since these devices have computers in them, you will not be able to check for, or get updates for the computers either.
     
  5. jwcca

    jwcca Registered Member

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    You can check for an update using your PC, download it to a USB stick and the device will install the update.
     
  6. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Except you are assuming the refrigerator has a USB port. The Internet capable refrigerators I have seen didn't have one.
     
  7. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    Yes, I think so also. My question was directed at word "threatened" from article title.
    If it works with no problems user doesn't have to connect it to net, and updates wouldn't be necessary. Disabling WiFi completely would make it even safer.
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2017
  8. emmjay

    emmjay Registered Member

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    I assume the next step is a PA in every fridge. Alexa is already in some smart home systems so a fridge would be an obvious candidate for a PA. Samsung has a smart fridge adorned with a full blown version of Windows 10 with Cortana at the ready. LG will probably go there next - a PA enabled by default to order groceries and update the software. Siri may end up being the PA in your coffee maker, eventually. The scary part of all this is when these PAs start becoming aware of each other. They are supposedly cognitive learners - what could go wrong?
     
  9. Gullible Jones

    Gullible Jones Registered Member

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    Yes, definitely "threatens". Needless networking support makes things needlessly hackable.
     
  10. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    IMO even more problematic will be usage of this new features. Average user will probably just connect it to WiFi when prompted, and then forget all about it. Even if they won't use advanced features they will probably just leave it always connected without changing passwords or take care of security. And we all know how secure those things are out of the box.
     
  11. jwcca

    jwcca Registered Member

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    Which brands have you seen?
     
  12. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    I have already heard of cases where someone in a TV commercial called for "Alexa" and the user's Alexa answered the TV!

    The "bitter-sweet" issue with these devices, IMO, is they are always listening, 24/7/365. They have to otherwise they would not know when to answer or respond to their users. And they are always sending everything they hear back to Amazon, Google or wherever. Everything!

    Police ask Alexa: Who dunnit? This is "sweet" should there be a crime in your home that Alexa recorded. But it is "bitter" if you are having an intimate private conversation with your spouse, or verifying your bank account number over the phone with your bank.

    LG and Samsung. Look at the enlarged image of fridge linked to in post 1. No USB port there! Pick a model and download the user manual. I have looked at several of these "smart" fridges at my local appliance store and like the one seen in the image above, they do not have a USB port - at least not one within sight or reach of the owner. There might be one in the back to be used as a "service" port for a technician, but there were not any for the owner's use. And frankly, a hard to clean port that would collect kitchen grime is not something I would want to see.
     
  13. Keatah

    Keatah Registered Member

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    That's ok. Never did it before..
     
  14. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Huh?
     
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