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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

#141

Post by Zancarius »

gpvos wrote: post #132
rootusrootus wrote: post #101

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eh, I think you're being uncharitable. My 80 year old mother could definitely figure out how to hold down a button while turning the thing off and on. We've been living with some version of that reality for decades.

Also to set up a wifi network with a particular SSID and a device on that that runs a TFTP server?

If it has a companion app for a phone (which this appears to be), you could easily have the phone do this for you. Not unlike setting up a wifi hotspot.

Just have support walk them through a menu on their phone for an "advanced" feature they just tap on, then hold the button on the microwave. Voila!

(Granted, I did tech support long enough to know this isn't easy; if someone can follow instructions, however, it should be doable.)

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

#142

Post by JasonFruit »

wubbert wrote: post #91
Nextgrid wrote: post #52

Why is there no user-facing firmware update/recovery feature, so that at least tech-savvy users can resolve the issue themselves? Or a reset feature that reverts to the factory firmware located on a separate, read-only chip? Ah yes, it's to prevent people downgrading or running "unauthorized" firmware when they inevitably start adding user-hostile "features".

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

They most emphatically do not need them, but they have them nonetheless.

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

#143

Post by tenebrisalietum »

swayvil wrote: post #40

On my oven I want a knob. That's it. I'll light it with a match. Presently have those lighting spark things on my 5 year old samsung. Already failures. No, I do not want networking, apps, wifi, touchscreens or any form of digitality. This shit is glitter for the "technologically educated" class. Turning a $1 tshirt into a $10 tshirt

Wifi/network access shouldn't ever enable turning an oven on, but it'd be cool as hell if:

- I could turn it off from my phone when I hear the timer, but don't feel like going to the kitchen to silence the oven alarm.

- I could view what's cooking inside without having to be at or open the oven.

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

#144

Post by jandrese »

apexalpha wrote: post #124
wubbert wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

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.

Who preheats a microwave oven?

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

#145

Post by anonymousiam »

wubbert wrote: post #91
Nextgrid wrote: post #52

Why is there no user-facing firmware update/recovery feature, so that at least tech-savvy users can resolve the issue themselves? Or a reset feature that reverts to the factory firmware located on a separate, read-only chip? Ah yes, it's to prevent people downgrading or running "unauthorized" firmware when they inevitably start adding user-hostile "features".

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

I have a new "smart home" with a couple of GE convection ovens that are Internet-connected. In the 2+ years that I've owned them, I've never used the Internet control features. The ONE feature that might make Internet connectivity useful would be setting the clock. Unfortunately, the clocks cannot be set or updated via the Internet. WORTHLESS!

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

#147

Post by throw10920 »

omoikane wrote: post #133
throw10920 wrote: post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Now that you're actually in the process of upgrading, I suggest you take advantage of the fact that you're an actually-paying customer to slightly influence the retailer(s) you buy from. "Can you show me only the non-smart appliances, please? Oh, you don't have any? Are you sure, can you ask the manager? Alright, I'm not interested in anything, have a nice day." Sure, it doesn't mean very much on your own, but neithe…

It has been increasingly difficult to do that, probably because a lot of these "smart" appliances sells for more and thus have more "vote". Last time I went to buy a refrigerator, there maybe only one or two that were freed of the extra features that I did not want, compared to the 30 or so that were on display. And TVs without wifi were nonexistent.

I mean, sure, it's increasingly hard to buy a non-smart appliance, but the value of making your preference known should be obvious.

Even if a regulatory solution is ideal (which I'm leaning toward), corrupt politicians will make it very difficult to get that regulation enacted, which means that "voting with your wallet" and making a big deal about it are both still necessary in the meantime, and will provide some benefit if done en-masse.

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

#148

Post by adwww »

jaywalk wrote: post #112
adwww wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is actually a big potential for a smart grid - turning on or off demand from things like fridges and ovens in response to the grid frequency changing. If the grid is very slightly over 50hz it means demand exceeds supply and vice versa. By automatically switching off the pump on thousands of fridges for a few seconds, networks would require less generation capacity on standby - saving $$$ and CO2. Of course, lik…

> If the grid is very slightly over 50hz it means demand exceeds supply and vice versa. Not to be too pedantic, but it's actually the opposite. Frequency drops as demand goes up, which requires more supply to compensate. This is because the generators physically spin more slowly as they are put under more load.

thanks, I knew I should have googled to check...

Also occurs to me that it's 60hz in North America, but point roughly remains!

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

#149

Post by [deleted] »

noveltyaccount wrote: post #6

> "An employee manually entered a wrong number somewhere, causing an incorrect update. As a result, all combi microwaves of this type no longer work in the Benelux," says a spokesperson for the umbrella company Electrolux. All????? They didn't roll out the release gradually? Holy hell.

[deleted]

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

#150

Post by saiya-jin »

hnhg wrote: post #67
denton-scratch wrote: post #56

Electrolux are a horrible company. They seem to have borged a whole load of other brands, which all have now descended to Electrolux's abysmal standards. - They don't support their own products; the warranty is served by a third-party - Their products are built to a price-point, and fail just after the warranty is up - Spare parts are expensive - They apparently have neither an email address or phone number The water…

They supply white label items to Ikea too, at least in parts of Europe.

Yeah and they are very much subpar, same as Whirlpool cca 12 years ago also sold through Ikea. Bought some kitchen appliances when buying Ikea kitchens (twice), all had some minor or not so minor issues.

Whirlpool fridge had door isolation strip uneven resulting in some heat coming in, from Day 1. Induction stove had few flat touch buttons responding only to strong pressure, kind of randomly, also Day 1. Electrolux - dish washer is well below average in quality of cleaning, our 15 years old Bosch does much better job. Also Electrolux - stove hood, something broke inside after maybe a year, so it performs at maybe 20% of the basic speed. Faster modes don't work at all and it shutdowns itself after maybe 5 mins. This one is especially annoying since its built into the wall.

Fuck these trashy brands, I'll never ever buy anything else from them. Its Siemens, Bosch and Miele, but mainly Bosch which doesn't command Miele's high price and reliability/features are OK for us. I am not rich nor patient enough to waste so much time, money and energy on anything else.

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