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AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

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Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#211

Post by beeboop »

throw0101a wrote: post #49

See also "My dishwasher won’t start until I let it update its firmware over the WiFi" (Jan 31): * https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30147379 And "GE won’t let me use convection roast on my new oven without connecting to WiFi" (Mar 5): * https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30570027

My friend got a generator recently that wouldn't work unless connected to wifi, which he didn't have onsite because it was his cabin in the middle of nowhere. He had to call customer service which gave him a PIN to enter on the generator to bypass the requirement.

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#212

Post by beeboop »

squidbot wrote: post #178
ale42 wrote: post #3

Why in the world would one connect a microwave to the Internet in the first point?! (I guess that's the way they received the wrong update...)

Mine connects, specifically to allow Alexa voice control. It actually comes in handy once and a while (or should I say, handless...) The one appliance I have that has internet capability that I don't understand is my dishwasher. It has the ability to be remote started. I can't think of a single use case for this, since you need to load soap to use it, and it has a delay feature. It's a great dishwasher, and I bought…

This sounds like an awful idea. you'll have a kid somewhere mimic their parents, throw their plastic fruit in the oven, and tell alexa to cook it (starting a fire)

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#213

Post by no-s »

ncmncm wrote: post #202
pixl97 wrote: post #179

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have a whirlpool 'smart' oven and it does appear to use internet time, or at least the time from the app. About the only thing it's useful for is to remind me when its preheated.

Whirlpool refrigerators are designed so that the light inside fails after a year, requiring replacing a >$100 power controller board. If you let your thing connect to the internet, it will be able to dispense with actually burning out a part, and can just stop working under program control.

>Whirlpool refrigerators are designed so that the light inside fails after a year, requiring replacing a >$100 power controller board.

I’ve run into several microwave controllers with a similar misfeature. All used the same controller board despite being different makes and models. The part that controlled the light was a plug-in board on the controller and a short in the light socket could blow a diode on it. Bad design since burnt out incandescent bulbs often fail with a short. The plug-in replacement cost ~$8, but nobody seems to stock it, only The whole controller board at ~$175.

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#214

Post by 93po »

ck2 wrote: post #55

I want to point out most cars made after 2004 or so have no physical connection between not just accelerator and engine but more importantly wheels and steering wheel. So their usability is as good as the software written to control them and the motor/sensor windings, etc. Not unlike the software controlling that microwave.

To pointlessly add on to existing replies - the brake pedal is always mechanical (if somewhat less effective with the engine off or not working). And it'd be difficult to find a car whose brakes weren't able to stop full throttle.

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#215

Post by no-s »

bluGill wrote: post #187
mauvehaus wrote: post #164

Earlier quoted context omitted.

25 years ago, we were all bitching about having to program our parents' VCR for them. In 25 more years we'll be asking a teenager how to get TikTok beamed directly into our brains like they're doing.

I knew a few elderly who managed to program their VCR. I also knew a lot of young people who couldn't.

>I knew a few elderly who managed to program their VCR

I tease my wife about not figuring out email until 2005. Of course I date back to the era whence we had to run down to the data center and take turns on the operator console to send each other text messages.

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#216

Post by no-s »

fatnoah wrote: post #30
DiabloD3 wrote: post #16

I refuse to own an oven that is internet connected. If my oven has enough of a computer to have a firmware that can be updated remotely, it is too dangerous to own.

I'm starting a kitchen upgrade, and the number of "connected" kitchen appliances is astonishing. I don't need my faucet to have Alexa, I don't want to read news on my refrigerator, and I don't want an app for my oven. I'm not aware of any companies keeping servers running for a product that matches the life expectancy of a kitchen appliance, nor do I want an AWS outage to keep me from making nachos.

>nor do I want an AWS outage to keep me from making nachos.

This is a keeper.

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#217

Post by DougN7 »

noveltyaccount wrote: post #197
wubbert wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A better question is, why do microwave ovens now need internet connections and software updates?

I have a few Bosch appliances internet-connected. Getting a push notification when the fridge/freezer door is open is nice if you're not near enough to hear the unit beeping. And when a timer elapses on the cooktop I get a push - again, nice if I'm not within earshot.

I’m uncomfortable being out of earshot/sight of the cooktop while it’s on. What if a fire starts?

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#219

Post by blacksmith_tb »

zepearl wrote: post #165
apexalpha wrote: post #124

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I mean I can think of a few options: - Pre heat oven remotely - Check on the food remotely - Have (and update) settings for specific food? I mean it's not the worst thing to connect online.

I would never ever dare to preheat remotely (and having an open Internet connection that has the potential to allow that would be a nightmare for me). My current owen actually forces me to at least open once the hatch before allowing it to be switched on (I guess that it's to force me to check if anything was previously left inside).

Agreed, the only useful connected functions I can imagine are "isOvenOn?" and "turnOvenOff" but even then I would be nervous about relying on either...

Re: AEG combi microwave unusable after update: device thinks it is a steam oven

#220

Post by akomtu »

sofixa wrote: post #7
ale42 wrote: post #3

Why in the world would one connect a microwave to the Internet in the first point?! (I guess that's the way they received the wrong update...)

Well for security updates of course! As to why it needs security updates, it's because it's connected(able) to the internet.

So your oven needs updates because it's connected to the internet. It needs internet so manufacrurers could sell your data to data brokers. Those data brokers need your data to sell it to advertisers. And advertisers need it to sell you personalized ads. Users need ads to convince themselves that they need cheap junk, like those wifi-equipped microwave ovens. And those ovens need updates because... Such is the cycle of misery that's called "advertising industry".
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