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submitted 6 months ago by Freeman@feddit.de to c/foss@beehaw.org

Has anyone experience how bad the proriatary software is on such machines? For Kenwood there is an app (Kenwood World App) which apparently guides you through the cooking-process. Does anyone have a idea for how long this app or other apps from similar machines will be maintained? Does anyone have experience of using such a device without an internet connection?

I am sure that there wont ever be a simple foss app which can connect to such a device, but how bad is it? I am worried that the new Kenwoods wont be as durable as the old one I had (had it handed down, was around 30yo), because the software will be discontinued.

Looking for people with experiences with such machines and their software-side.

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[-] Shadow@lemmy.ca 24 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Why do you need an app to guide you through cooking?

Why would you buy a kitchen appliance that requires an app in the first place? Optional, sure. Required? Fuck no.

Your concerns of software support are valid. Typically the companies lose interest within 5 years in my experience.

Also I have no idea what appliance this is in the picture. Is this a stand mixer? Combined with a scale? And an induction cooker? Just buy one of each and save a pile of money and hassle. Integrated devices never do anything well.

I guarantee this hardware will fail within 10 years. Your 30 hand me down probably has no digital circuits in it, it's all mechanical and easily repaired.

[-] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 5 points 6 months ago

Why do you need an app ~~to guide you through~~ using a cooking appliance?

Ftfy... A minor correction, because wtf is all this IoT nonsense with appliances?

I just repaired our 20-year-old dishwasher with a part that cost $30 online. No electronics, just a simple electro-mechanical timer in it. What else would it need to spray water and pump it out?

[-] Freeman@feddit.de 4 points 6 months ago

The appliance in the picture is a standmixer + scale + induction cooker with additional features to do much more (if you buy them ofc). What I dont know is if the app/wifi connection is required or optional, if its required I am not buying it.

It appeals to me because you can just throw in the ingredients the appliance tells you to and after 10-20 mins you have a done onepot, soup, dough or sauce. But am worried about the software part of this becuse I am with you about those 5 years and then they lose interest. But those companies are reputable and have a long history of repairing their devices and giving new warranty on it after the repair. So that makes me optimistic, kinda.

[-] Shadow@lemmy.ca 6 points 6 months ago

Software just changes too much IMHO. That thing isn't going to support the latest wifi security setting you want to turn on in 5 years. For long term appliances, I would avoid anything that requires use of an app or loses functionality without one.

[-] fraksken@infosec.pub 2 points 6 months ago

Very well put. I also avoid any appliance that needs internet or an app.

Kenwood is a great brand, but I'd never pay extra for it to become "smart".

this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2024
33 points (100.0% liked)

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