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> Toyota, meanwhile, started charging $8 a month to remotely start vehicles using a key fob — a feature that had previously been free. It's probably not safe t
by lukeschlather 4y ago
> Toyota, meanwhile, started charging $8 a month to remotely start vehicles using a key fob — a feature that had previously been free.
It's probably not safe to operate these sorts of features in perpetuity. Funding the security team to deal with hacks seems necessary and the cost is reasonable. Really, it's comforting to hope that in 20 years time you might still get security updates. (As opposed to my smartphone which is only 4 years old and can't be upgraded to the latest Android at any price.)
- throw10920 4y agoIf the product arrived defective (including security flaws), then the liability is on the manufacturer and they should fix it free of charge, because they sold you a product with a defect. This is categorically different than software updates and feature releases - in that case, you can justify a recurring subscription, because extra value is being provided to the customer. In the bug-fixing case, the customer literally did not receive the value was promised to them (false advertising) - the bug represents an unfulfilled obligation, and the fix is not new functionality, but the fulfillment of what was already promised and paid for.
- lukeschlather 4y agoSecurity issues with software are "normal wear and tear." If you want something to remain secure you need to provide regular security updates. Assuming it's secure at ship-time, a remote-start keyfob is unlikely to be secure 5 years from now (not without regular software updates.) This is distinct from something like heated seats where yes, if it works it works.