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Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update

247 points · 284 comments · Markoff

  1. diskzero · · focus · HN ↗
    We ended up with a Samsung fridge in our new home. It has no external display or any other indication that it is a "smart" fridge. I only found out when a friend visited who has a Samsung phone and the phone offered to connect to the fridge. We spent the next 30 minutes removing panels from the fridge and found the wifi/bluetooth antenna on a small board under the top-right hinge cover. The board was disconnected and the fridge continues to operate normally.

    I am now eyeing my dishwasher very suspiciously.

    1. ortusdux · · focus · HN ↗
      Countries with heavy investment in wind and solar are seeing periods of free or negative cost electricity. Ideally, batteries would soak this up for use during peak hours, but smart appliances can be a great way to take advantage. It's a shame that these companies cannot be trusted with our data!
      1. autoexec · · focus · HN ↗
        It's true with basically all technology these days. We have a lot of cool and useful technology, but every company who will sell it to you has designed it so that the device you paid for is also being used by them to screw you over.
      2. mahboi · · focus · HN ↗
        Could do all that with dumb timers. Funny thing is, the optimal way to run my A/C is simply a consistent temperature 24/7, so my dumb old thermostat is set to that (but it also has a timer if I want).
        1. ortusdux · · focus · HN ↗
          Solar and wind surpluses are somewhat predictable, but not really something you can capture with a dumb timer.

          <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;theconversation.com&#x2F;why-some-countries-give-away-free-electricity-and-even-pay-consumers-to-use-it-280852" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;theconversation.com&#x2F;why-some-countries-give-away-fre...

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