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   Terence Eden (edent@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:11:34 JST Terence Eden

   Wanna buy a non-smart TV????

   Just buy a smart TV and don't connect it to the Internet!!!

   (Seriously - what's so hard about that?)

   • Embed this notice
     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:11:33 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent first of all, in some cases the "smart" devices won't allow you to start using it without it being connected:
     https://www.coolblue.nl/en/product/877354/tado-smart-radiator-thermostat-starter-duo-pack.html#product-specifications

     True, this particular one is not a TV, but there is nothing stopping manufacturers to make that kind of requirement obligatory. Some Sony TVs already requires agreeing to Google's ToS before any functionality can be used at all:
     https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00114157

     Easy step from this to "you need to be connected for compliance reasons" or whatever.

   • Embed this notice
     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:14:23 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent secondly, open WiFi networks exist, and I have zero reason to trust the "smart TV" manufacturers *not* to try to connect to those when available, as they are making money hand over fist from usage data.

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     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:15:46 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent that's why I said "smart devices" and "True, this particular one is not a TV, but…"

   • Embed this notice
     Terence Eden (edent@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:15:47 JST Terence Eden

     in reply to

     • Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     @rysiek you've sent me a link to a thermostat…

     Did your smart TV intercept the connection and send me some subtle advertising 😆

   • Embed this notice
     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:17:54 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent thanks, I'd much rather you engaged honestly with the concerns about these devices. There is a difference between "wardriving" and "auto-connecting to available open networks", and you know that as well as I do.

     You asked what the big deal is, I am providing an honest answer from my perspective.

     I have no reason to trust these device manufacturers to *not* ignore my choices if the opportunity presents itself.

   • Embed this notice
     Terence Eden (edent@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:17:55 JST Terence Eden

     in reply to

     • Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     @rysiek if you can find me a war-driving TV, I'll buy you a beer when we next meet.

   • Embed this notice
     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:19:45 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent you asked about smart TVs, I gave you an example of a smart device that refuses to work without Internet connection.

     I believe this illustrates a point: the decision whether or not you will be allowed to use your own device without it being connected to the Internet can end up not being yours.

   • Embed this notice
     Terence Eden (edent@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:19:46 JST Terence Eden

     in reply to

     • Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     @rysiek I've got a Tado. It is specifically sold as a connected Thermostat. It is brilliant. It even works if it only has a local connection.

     Why would you buy anything like it if you didn't want a smart thermostat?

   • Embed this notice
     Terence Eden (edent@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:31:12 JST Terence Eden

     in reply to

     • Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     @rysiek there's a fine line between being cautious and being paranoid.

     Right now there are loads of models of non-smart TVs. But they can receive firmware updates OTA. Do you run a firewall on your antenna?

     There are hundreds of smart TVs which work even if they're not connected. You can de-solder their WiFi if you're worried.

     If a thing you buy doesn't work - take it back. If it stops working, complain.

     Finally, if you're that concerned, build your own.

   • Embed this notice
     Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦 (rysiek@mstdn.social)'s status on Monday, 11-Nov-2024 00:31:12 JST Michał "rysiek" Woźniak · 🇺🇦

     in reply to

     @Edent you asked what the big deal is, I answered.

     You're of course welcome to dismiss it as paranoia. Problem with that is that over the last two or so decades a lot of stuff that was being dismissed as paranoia turned out to be quite real.

     Anyway, have a good Sunday.