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Considering that Dropcam came out in 2012, (and the Pro version in 2013) I think this is actually good enough. We don't expect IoT devices from other brands to

by kccqzy 4y ago

Considering that Dropcam came out in 2012, (and the Pro version in 2013) I think this is actually good enough. We don't expect IoT devices from other brands to be working forever either. Not even Apple supports their devices for that long. Google just gets a lot of hate on HN but this isn't anything deserving that much hate. The article kind of made the same point: > Google previously committed to supporting Nest products for at least five years, and it did meet that standard. If you’ve been holding onto a Dropcam for more than a decade, it’s hard to argue that you didn’t get your money’s worth

crooked-v 4y ago
The objection isn't that they're dropping support for specific older devices... it's that they're dropping support for the entire platform, including Nest cameras that are still on sale right now.
greycol 4y ago
The major issue is we know the minimal least effort steps involved to keep these things working aren't hard. Release a firmware update that updates the device to only point to ips/domains in the private range as it's new control/update/whatever server and update any security certs to a new releasable one. Then open source the server software if not still in use, or roll back the firmware the x number of years to the point were the requirements to maintain the device started diverging and release that version of the updated old firmware/old server source. There's no ongoing cost to the company and people can continue to use their devices if they wish to put in the effort to maintain it. I mean I'm not up in arms about this case, but it's such a common story about how device/software is no longer usable because finance wants to turn off a server that it should be SOP in every sunset plan. I'd go so far as saying it should be regulated as the minimum.
- thatoneguy 4y ago
  Since you probably haven't worked at Google, this sort of thing is what many googlers have wanted since at least the closure of Google Reader. But executives and engineers won't get promoted doing anything but launching products, so it never happens. Also, normal companies would just sell off the tech to someone else or even just spin off a new company that would manage everything but again, no one would get promoted so it doesn't happen.
hedora 4y ago
Stuff that is integrated into your house needs to last more than 5 years. Hell, standard warranties on new homes are 10 years, and I’d wager if a developer built a bunch of houses that stopped working after ten years and a day, they’d lose badly in court.
- lotsofpulp 4y ago
  The 10 year warranty is only for structural stuff (or the “bones”) I believe, not for things like doors/windows/finishes/fixtures/etc. In a cheaply tract built house, that stuff will wear out within 5 years.

by kccqzy 4y ago

crooked-v 4y ago

The objection isn't that they're dropping support for specific older devices... it's that they're dropping support for the entire platform, including Nest cameras that are still on sale right now.

greycol 4y ago

The major issue is we know the minimal least effort steps involved to keep these things working aren't hard. Release a firmware update that updates the device to only point to ips/domains in the private range as it's new control/update/whatever server and update any security certs to a new releasable one. Then open source the server software if not still in use, or roll back the firmware the x number of years to the point were the requirements to maintain the device started diverging and release that version of the updated old firmware/old server source. There's no ongoing cost to the company and people can continue to use their devices if they wish to put in the effort to maintain it. I mean I'm not up in arms about this case, but it's such a common story about how device/software is no longer usable because finance wants to turn off a server that it should be SOP in every sunset plan. I'd go so far as saying it should be regulated as the minimum.

thatoneguy 4y ago
Since you probably haven't worked at Google, this sort of thing is what many googlers have wanted since at least the closure of Google Reader. But executives and engineers won't get promoted doing anything but launching products, so it never happens. Also, normal companies would just sell off the tech to someone else or even just spin off a new company that would manage everything but again, no one would get promoted so it doesn't happen.

hedora 4y ago

Stuff that is integrated into your house needs to last more than 5 years. Hell, standard warranties on new homes are 10 years, and I’d wager if a developer built a bunch of houses that stopped working after ten years and a day, they’d lose badly in court.

lotsofpulp 4y ago
The 10 year warranty is only for structural stuff (or the “bones”) I believe, not for things like doors/windows/finishes/fixtures/etc. In a cheaply tract built house, that stuff will wear out within 5 years.