3 ms·

I believe the other person was talking about having the devices serve up webpage UIs, so you wouldn't need their specific app, just a browser. A lot of makers d

by 34679 5y ago

I believe the other person was talking about having the devices serve up webpage UIs, so you wouldn't need their specific app, just a browser. A lot of makers do this with their 3D printers and CNC machines, as it avoids the cost and hassle of installing a display on the machine. Two of the more popular ones, for those interested: octoprint.org cnc.js.org

dredmorbius 5y ago
And when the webpage is no longer updated? Heck, we've even seen that model simply to use goods you've purchased, as with digital restrictions malignant books, music, videos, and games, where the restrictions-management servers were discontinued and access to the goods (bads) bought requiring them became useless.
- mitchdoogle 5y ago
  The device itself is serving up the webpage. It doesn't get updated. It's connected to the network and you visit the ip address or whatever
  - dredmorbius 5y ago
    Ah, got it. Though there is still the prospect of broken or insecure applications. Depending on the specific use case, that might or might not be an issue. Though there's the casino whose network was hacked through a fish tank: http://www.businessinsider.com/hackers-stole-a-casinos-database-through-a-thermometer-in-the-lobby-fish-tank-2018-4 http://www.businessinsider.com/hackers-stole-a-casinos-datab... https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16844462 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16844462
MBCook 5y ago
You’re right. They were. My mistake. Personally I don’t like those either. I’ve experienced it with printers (which can only be configured initially via USB and some app), 3D printers (configured by putting an SD card in your computer), and other gizmos. They’re all a pain to deal with, especially if your WiFi details change or their IP does. Some others expect you to connect to THEIR Wi-Fi network instead. Which is also a complete pain. I don’t mind having an app to make the device more useful, but it needs to have enough controls on the front to use the thing and preferably reconfigure the Wi-Fi if necessary.
- 01100011 5y ago
  At the time I was considering it, I figured there should be a dedicated protocol for serving things like this. Something simple, like a subset of bluetooth, with easy discoverability. Sort of like NFC perhaps. Something that you can implement with minimal software and hardware support. Obviously you risk the protocol dying and devices becoming bricks. I'm not sure how you avoid that.
  - dotancohen 5y ago
    > Something simple, like a subset of bluetooth, with easy discoverability Sounds like a security vulnerability waiting to happen. I can image every 3D printer in range printing a dildo.
mitchdoogle 5y ago
3d printers and CNC machines almost always involve using a computer anyway and good chance they are physically connected. Not the case with my washing machine or toaster

by 34679 5y ago

dredmorbius 5y ago

And when the webpage is no longer updated? Heck, we've even seen that model simply to use goods you've purchased, as with digital restrictions malignant books, music, videos, and games, where the restrictions-management servers were discontinued and access to the goods (bads) bought requiring them became useless.

mitchdoogle 5y ago
The device itself is serving up the webpage. It doesn't get updated. It's connected to the network and you visit the ip address or whatever
- dredmorbius 5y ago
  Ah, got it. Though there is still the prospect of broken or insecure applications. Depending on the specific use case, that might or might not be an issue. Though there's the casino whose network was hacked through a fish tank: http://www.businessinsider.com/hackers-stole-a-casinos-database-through-a-thermometer-in-the-lobby-fish-tank-2018-4 http://www.businessinsider.com/hackers-stole-a-casinos-datab... https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16844462 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16844462

MBCook 5y ago

You’re right. They were. My mistake. Personally I don’t like those either. I’ve experienced it with printers (which can only be configured initially via USB and some app), 3D printers (configured by putting an SD card in your computer), and other gizmos. They’re all a pain to deal with, especially if your WiFi details change or their IP does. Some others expect you to connect to THEIR Wi-Fi network instead. Which is also a complete pain. I don’t mind having an app to make the device more useful, but it needs to have enough controls on the front to use the thing and preferably reconfigure the Wi-Fi if necessary.

01100011 5y ago
At the time I was considering it, I figured there should be a dedicated protocol for serving things like this. Something simple, like a subset of bluetooth, with easy discoverability. Sort of like NFC perhaps. Something that you can implement with minimal software and hardware support. Obviously you risk the protocol dying and devices becoming bricks. I'm not sure how you avoid that.
- dotancohen 5y ago
  > Something simple, like a subset of bluetooth, with easy discoverability Sounds like a security vulnerability waiting to happen. I can image every 3D printer in range printing a dildo.

mitchdoogle 5y ago

3d printers and CNC machines almost always involve using a computer anyway and good chance they are physically connected. Not the case with my washing machine or toaster