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Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update

247 points · 284 comments · Markoff

diskzero · 1790171248 · 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. jasode · 1790173122 · focus · HN ↗
  >I am now eyeing my dishwasher very suspiciously.
  Appliances with mandatory wi-fi is a bad trend. The mid-tier dishwasher from Bosch locks the Eco(nomy) energy saver cycle, delayed start, etc functionality behind a smartphone app. This requires connecting the dishwasher to wi-fi and using the smartphone to create a Bosch online account. That's what the whole Jeff Geerling complaint video was all about.
  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M_hmwBBPnc&t=4m21s" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M_hmwBBPnc&t=4m21s
  1. nicoburns · 1790173267 · focus · HN ↗
    Aside: I heard that "eco mode" is typically not actually the most energy efficient mode on most washing machines. Apparently it's a standard mode they have to add so that energy efficiency can be measured across machines, but that means it can't be optimised.
    You're typically better off looking for some kind quick/fast mode. Or even the "regular" mode.
    (YMMV, look things up for your specific model)
    aggieNick02 · 1790191695 · focus · HN ↗
    Quarch (they make awesome power analysis/power injection equipment) did an investigation in to their office dishwasher's "Eco mode" a couple years ago. It was interesting: <a href="https://quarch.com/news/my-dishwashers-eco-mode-did-not-save-energy/" rel="nofollow">https://quarch.com/news/my-dishwashers-eco-mode-did-not-save...
    The quick conclusion? "Quick Wash" uses less energy and water than "Eco Wash". "Intensive Wash" uses more energy than both.

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