this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by xkcdbot@lemmy.world to c/xkcd@lemmy.world
 

xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier

Title text:

It's important for devices to have internet connectivity so the manufacturer can patch remote exploits.

Transcript:

[A store salesman, Hairy, is showing Cueball a dehumidifier, with a "SALE" label on it. Several other unidentified devices, possibly other dehumidifier models, are shown in the store as well.]

Salesman: This dehumidifier model features built-in WiFi for remote updates.
Cueball: Great! That will be really useful if they discover a new kind of water.

Source: https://xkcd.com/3109/

explainxkcd for #3109

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[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 45 points 4 days ago (14 children)

I’ve looked into many WiFi dehumidifier’s and the one thing I wanted from it was to notify my phone if it’s full. None of them do that. All they do is let you change speed and stuff. Nothing that is important to me. I just want to know if I need to go to the basement and empty it or not.

[–] LilaOrchideen@feddit.org 22 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I put mine on a zigbee plug into my home assistant (docker on nas), and created an automation to notify me when the power consumption drops below 1 W or so (lower than when it's only running the fan when the hunidity is near setpoint). All local, works so far.

[–] tfowinder@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

That's really interesting, i was looking into Zigbee plug documentation, could not find if i can program them myself. Do i need to use their propritery app for whatever it does ?

How did you integrate the plug into existing home automation system ?

[–] LilaOrchideen@feddit.org 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I'm using "home assistant" and add them there via the zigbee integration.

Edit: I have the Nous zigbee sockets, never used any other app than home assistant to do anything with them. They also have a small button with a light so you can still switch them on/off without any app. Via home assistant you can read out various info like power, current etc

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