LG to put Wi-Fi in every appliance it releases in 2017

I can see most people connecting to their wi-fi (because the appliance said they had to) and then just carrying on as normal.

I find this disturbing

http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2017/01/lg-wi-fi-in-everything/

One example here...

Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service gives users access to an intelligent personal assistant that, in addition to searching recipes, can play music, place Prime-eligible orders from Amazon.com including groceries, add items to a shopping list and more. With over 6,000 skills available, Alexa can also control one’s smart home, request car service, set kitchen timers and check the weather – all hands-free by just using your voice. With Alexa, daily tasks in the kitchen – such as cooking or planning for the day – turn into a dynamic, entertaining experience.

http://www.lgnewsroom.com/2017/01/lg-smart-instaview-refrigerator-features-voice-control-webos-and-remote-viewing-capabilities/

- "Dynamic Entertaining Experience" ???

- Now hackers can create an even larger botnet.

- I can imagine that hackers are able to pull up "interesting" patterns. Like when people are not at home. That's what burglars really like to know. OMG.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/01/smart-tvs-smart-fridges-smart-washing-machines-disaster-waiting-to-happen/

I find the voice activated IoT stuff particularly worrying. Alexa, Cortana, Siri, et-al.

Why would you want to put a microphone bug in your property?

(Not to mention devices with built in webcams).

Mi5, NSA, ISS, etc. must be rubbing their hands with glee.

No warrant needed, no need to sneak in and place a bug, they can just hack into the wifi connection of the bugs you have already placed yourself.

And who else could be hacked in and listening to (watching) what you (or your kids) are doing?

just as long as LG never make a talkie toaster, I'll be alright.

I prefer my toasters on the dumb-side.

Ever see that movie The Lives Of Others?

I think they're just doing the all inclusion for smart homes, which could make life easier for people with disabilities.

Although it isn't the replicator from Star Trek that I've been waiting ages for.

just as long as LG never make a talkie toaster, I'll be alright.

I prefer my toasters on the dumb-side.

Yeah but eating the toast would make you Wi-Fi too. :P

Saw an ad the other day for a Bluetooth connected toothbrush.

Just stay out of my bathroom, thank you very much. :)

Don't see the point of IOT myself, but it does make sense for manufacturers, retailers and advertisers... http://m.theregister.co.uk/2017/01/07/tv_anchor_says_alexa_buy_me_a_dollhouse_and_she_does/ :unsure:

Why the FFFFF would you want a bluetooth connected toothbrush?

Is anyone realy that stupid that they need an online 'Oral Hygenist' to tell them when to brush their teeth?

Apart from anything else 'Bluetooth' is a bit if an unfortunate description for a toothbrush.

It's all gimmicks;

Ever seen the medicinal gadgets they came up with when electricity was a new thing?

I've even seen AC electric belts touted as a cure for impotence (and everything else) - http://www.museumofquackery.com/ephemera/heidelberg.htm

They are even still selling similar products as the 'latest revolutionary training gear' for giving you a six-pack.

Some applications do work tough, TENS pain relief machines for example.

Or how about Radium in your drinking water, or even your bread? Common in the 1920's and 30's

http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/quackcures/quackcures.htm

There again we also use radiation therapy to treat cancer.

I suspect that in a few years we will be falling on the floor laughing at some of the IoT ideas as well.

I suspect that in a few years we will be falling on the floor laughing ...

My connected toilet has me doing that already. Timed flush is on by default ... dunno how to change it. :(

My connected toilet ......

The mind boggles, does it have a webcam?

(That might explain some of the stranger porn spam that I see as a moderator on another forum).

Why the FFFFF would you want a bluetooth connected toothbrush?

...

Apart from anything else 'Bluetooth' is a bit if an unfortunate description for a toothbrush.

:lol:

One of the ads says:

Programs Personal Brush Settings: You can use your smartphone as a “remote control” to customize your brush to your needs, including setting your target session length and selecting your preferred modes.

and

Utilizes Two-Way Communication: Not only does the app receive brushing data and report it back to you, but you can also program the app so that it communicates with the brush for personalized brushing.

So there's an app for that. Not sure how I've lived without it

- Just imagine that your IoT fridge starts to display advertisements or - even worse - starts to play advertisement jingles (audio). Brrrrr .......

Shows an idea of the things than can (and have) happened

Warning: if you plan to read this article out loud in the vicinity of an Amazon Echo device you may want to turn off its microphone before doing so (for reasons that will become clear in a moment).

http://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/01/10/amazon-echo-alexa-dollhouse-security/

I'm off to make a TV ad.

30 seconds of- “Alexa, order Nukecad’s latest overpriced product,…, yes” repeating over and over.

Should make me a fortune. :lol:

Alexa, destroy my neighbors' apartment. :D

Apart from anything else 'Bluetooth' is a bit if an unfortunate description for a toothbrush.

It's all gimmicks;

You couldn't make it up - Colgate's new toothpaste turns BLUE as you brush; now that must be a gimmick.

http://www.colgate.co.uk/app/ColgateTotal/UK/EN/Products/Colgate-Total-Proof-Toothpaste/Home.cwsp

Read the reviews for a laugh; people complaining about it putting blue spots on their washbasins, towels, and even clothes.

just as long as LG never make a talkie toaster, I'll be alright.

I prefer my toasters on the dumb-side.

Just been reading the Knowlege Base article for one of yesterdays Windows 10 updates (KB4022725), one of the notes there states -

"users will not be able to use the remote toast activation feature"

Looks like your talkie-toaster is safe from hacking for a while at least.

"remote toast activation" - classic Microsoft.

was that a typo or something?