Post by @almonds@mastodon.mit.edu

@almonds@mastodon.mit.edu

2026-06-20 21:46 UTC

Anyone have ridiculous #InternetOfShit examples you&#39;re really fond of? Toasters, coffee machines, or microwaves that don&#39;t work without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Vacuum, TV, or toothbrush botnets. Preferably something you have a picture of, from first hand experience. I teach an #EmbeddedSystems class, and it&#39;s good to show examples of what *not* to do, in case they pursue the industry. (Boost for reach appreciated) #InternetOfThings #IOT

Replies (4)

@chewie@mammut.gogreenit.net 2026-06-23 06:48

@almonds@mastodon.mit.edu poor security with lightbulbs - account details sent without encryption: https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2017/05/internet-connected-lightswitches-redux/#reverse-engineering

Open ##3379844
@chewie@mammut.gogreenit.net 2026-06-23 06:51

@almonds@mastodon.mit.edu I bought a WiFi PWM controller to automate a fan. I have to use a Chinese app which won't let me register without giving them my phone number, therefore its useless to me.

Open ##3379850
@Edent@mastodon.social 2026-06-22 17:13

@almonds@mastodon.mit.edu I have a few (older) examples in this talk I gave a little while ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKIXw_ATdhE

Open ##3380369
@almonds@mastodon.mit.edu 2026-06-20 21:56

My go-to example is a "smart" mug that keeps the temperature of coffee. It sounds neat if it worked, but it also sounds like the frivolous kind of idea someone might have from staying up late, drinking too much cold coffee, and trying to think of the next big idea for their company... Apparently this brand in the image bricked their mugs after an app upgrade. 😬

Open ##5160110