3 ms·

If you want completely general purpose computing capabilities then don't buy an Iphone. I don't expect my fridge to allow me to execute arbitrary code on it's A

• jasonjayr 6y ago
  Right, I get that. But that argument is tired. These 'smart phones' have been advertised as PC Replacements. "Run your software, your games, your choice." To many people it is the only computer they will personally own. They are computers with cellular modems and other useful sensors built in. That's it. There are magnitudes of people with the know how to operate these things and take full responsibility for their operation and maintenance. There are scores of people who could more easily creatively use these devices in ways we can't even imagine now. Everyday these vendors prevent free and clear operation of this type of hardware, they hamper innovation, in favor of short term profits. And also; to reply specifically regarding the fridge, to be honest, I actually do want to run my own code there: CPU based controller boards in appliances tend to be obnoxiously prices for replacement. The cost of the parts for a controller board + related software can't possibly be more than a RPi computer and a bunch of relays. The fridge's computer's code is probably running a software based PID controller, that could be sourced anywhere else, and perhaps even software optimized to take advantage of better energy usage algorithms. So again, locked down hardware, short term profits. "$300 part bad on a $800 fridge, just buy a new one and throw the old one away"
• mhh__ 6y ago
  Your fridge doesn't have an ARM CPU comparable to a desktop these days though does it?
  • google234123 6y ago
    I don't know. It's probably comparable to something from not too long ago though.