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Amazon Sidewalk

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Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#71
post #39
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Convenience is way too alluring for the general public I am afraid. But I completely agree.

> Convenience is way too alluring for the general public Despite being technically-savvy, and ready to hack away at systems for max configuration; I too prefer convenience for a lot of things. That’s the magic of modern life, you can save time on so many “complicated” things. Disclaimer: I don’t use Amazon Echo specifically.

For me at some point it became an insight that I don’t always want “faster” or even “simpler” , most things are simple enough already that I don’t need to trade privacy, security, speed or even a nice discount for that latest and greatest product that’s actually just a new sales channel disguised as a product or app.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

sometimes I would love to see an A/B test on HN: swap Amazon and Apple here, call it "Find my Homepod" and see the reactions.

Sure. Same reasons “Jeffrey Dahmer invited me for dinner” hits differently than “Mum invited me for dinner”. The two companies have a different track record on privacy.

Ah there, another one falling for Apple marketing.

FAAG are all companies that want to make the maximum of money from their current market positioning, assets and brand.

There is no inherent ethics in any of these companies.

The moment Apple doesn't grow on iPhones/apps and see selling customer payment data as a significat add to revenue, they will sell all your data as every other company. Tim is no more ethical than Mark or Larry or Jeff.

The way companies act right now is the way that maximizes their current profit. Rolling out privacy measures on iOS hurts Amazon, Google, Facebook and helps Apples brand, that's the reason Apple does it. And if this changes - e.g. the app store gets decentralized or regulated or people understand they don't need to pay 30% to Apple for a web application - Apple will stop it in a second without any second thought and find new revenue streams, e.g. selling your data.

Their historic behaviour is not relevant.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#74

> helps devices like Amazon Echo devices, Ring Security Cams, outdoor lights, motion sensors, and Tile trackers work better at home and beyond the front door. I hope they inform their customers that filming and recording public spots or other people's houses in Europe requires advertising the presence of CCTV and adhering to data protection laws. I have a feeling that in the coming years the number of neighbours suin…

>I hope they inform their customers that filming and recording public spots or other people's houses in Europe requires advertising the presence of CCTV and adhering to data protection laws. I live in the EU and have a camera on the front of my garage, pointing at the street and partially covering my opposite neighbour's house. I'd like to understand more about which rules I need to adhere to, I was unaware of this.…

Here are a few links as a starting point:

https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/domestic-cctv-systems-g...

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e5486933-1806...

https://www.netatmo.com/en-gb/guides/security/burglary/regul...

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#75
post #40
post #7

TBH the title is a bit misleading. Amazon plans to use your internet for API calls related to its devices, similar to Apple’s Find My network. I’m more curious about the location sharing bit.

It's not limited to Amazon devices >Device manufacturers interested in creating devices that work with Amazon Sidewalk can view more information on the Sidewalk Developer Console.

Nor is Find My limited to Apple devices. I think the analogy holds water.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

sometimes I would love to see an A/B test on HN: swap Amazon and Apple here, call it "Find my Homepod" and see the reactions.

Sure. Same reasons “Jeffrey Dahmer invited me for dinner” hits differently than “Mum invited me for dinner”. The two companies have a different track record on privacy.

The irony of your response is pretty thick.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#77
post #71
post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Convenience is way too alluring for the general public Despite being technically-savvy, and ready to hack away at systems for max configuration; I too prefer convenience for a lot of things. That’s the magic of modern life, you can save time on so many “complicated” things. Disclaimer: I don’t use Amazon Echo specifically.

For me at some point it became an insight that I don’t always want “faster” or even “simpler” , most things are simple enough already that I don’t need to trade privacy, security, speed or even a nice discount for that latest and greatest product that’s actually just a new sales channel disguised as a product or app.

I feel like you’re making a tangential observation, rather than a direct response to the concept of “convenience” being useful in modern life.

Anyways, could you provide some concrete examples of products where you were able to obtain such privacy and security guarantees with minimal friction?

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#78
I've flagged this on two counts (I don't like flagging stuff):

1. The website linked is just an advert.

2. The title is completely editorialised, regardless.

Not that I think it should be taken down, now there's discussion but it seems poor form as a submission especially on the title.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#79

Are the ISPs actually okay with this? Ideally Amazon would check who your ISP is and then check if the ISP will allow this type of usage, before just enabling it. If properly protected I don't see the issue, but it really needs to be opt in. The main issue from my point of view is that companies like Amazon automatically assume that a customer is okay with this, without knowing anything about pricing, security requir…

BT, the UK’s largest ISP, has this feature (Wi-fi sharing on a separate network) built into the routers or “hubs” it supplies, and on by default.

The benefit for people is that they can get Wi-fi in many places — free for BT customers, and a small fee for others. Note that anonymous access isn’t allowed.

Look for “hub hotspots” here: https://www.btwifi.com/find/

For other ISPs who don’t offer something like this, I don’t think they can stop their customers, the main question around customers offering free Wi-fi to others would focus around liability, I think. Who’s responsible if people do naughty things using your Wi-fi? And will Amazon’s solution help identify a potential bad actor?

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

sometimes I would love to see an A/B test on HN: swap Amazon and Apple here, call it "Find my Homepod" and see the reactions.

Sure. Same reasons “Jeffrey Dahmer invited me for dinner” hits differently than “Mum invited me for dinner”. The two companies have a different track record on privacy.

Two identical companies, one in sheep's clothing.

I can't believe you'd compare a corporation to your mum either.

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