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this post was submitted on 06 May 2025
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What's your problem with the app? It sounds like a legit reason for one. Kinda dumb to just condemn apps regardless of context.
Usually the issue with app dependent products, is that it rely on a fucking cloud connection. That imply that if the cloud service goes down or the company collapse, ~~your~~ their product become unusable. Yet all corps continue to do it as it is super handy to track their pigeon users. Data can then be sold or used to plot growth curves that gives their CEO an erection.
Also it probably requires you to have a google or apple account.
Well that's a whole load of assumptions based on absolutely nothing...
First example in mind: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/i-wont-connect-my-dishwasher-your-stupid-cloud
And a 2nd one: https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/your-washing-machine-could-be-sending-37-gb-of-data-a-day
My point being, the article lists perfectly good reasons for the app to exist, but you've made assumptions about it based solely on absolutely no data. What's the point of linking an article about an unrelated app and company?
Also, as I recall, that 2nd case about the washing machine turned out to be faulty measurements on the router side.
The app doesn’t have to exist. Calibration can happen via other means.
You're zeroing in on this one app's supposed utility, missing the broader, well-documented pattern of issues with app-dependent, cloud-connected devices. The fundamental problem isn't this specific app, but the systemic risks: data harvesting, planned obsolescence when servers shut down, and companies shifting terms post-purchase. Dismissing valid comparisons because the product category differs is a smokescreen. The concern isn't an assumption based on nothing; it's based on a consistent history of consumer-unfriendly practices across the IoT landscape.
Skepticism isn't an "assumption based on nothing"; it's pattern recognition.
Nice list!
Is there any indication in the article that this is even cloud dependent?
You literally have to establish cloud access first by registering an account or SSO then signing in before even using the app. Then you grant Bluetooth access. You can download the app and see right now.
At ANY point this company can collect your data or do any combination of things from the list I mentioned.
Great, thank you. Some actual facts. Now I can agree with you.
This is how every single IoT company works. This is the standard. You can even tell from the app that they used a shitty templating app that makes this app look the same compared to every other shitty IoT app.
Is ther any indication that it is local only? Is the product exposed API documented?
That was my bloody point from the first comment? Without any indication, why make assumptions? I didn't make any claims, I only pointed out the ridiculousness.
You asked why people are pissed off by apps, here is some reasons. I honestly couldn't care less for that toy belt.
Calibration needs is not an excuse to give up on privacy.
Could be done with a button
How would a button give you instructions and feedback...?
Instructions: paper
Feedback: green light, yellow light, red light.
too analog for those gen-z and younger folks...
Only because the older folks keep pushing for apps and such by setting the example. If an analog option isn't even discussed, the younger generation definitely won't know how much simpler certain processes can be.
A single calibration button?