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These internet connected cars will eventually turn into Westinghouse Radiohubs. [1] For most people, even those who don't subscribe to the internet requiring s

These internet connected cars will eventually turn into Westinghouse Radiohubs. [1] For most people, even those who don't subscribe to the internet requiring service, there is no way to disable it. Especially when the radio device is inaccessible. On a separate note, I recently got a CPAP machine. It comes with a copy of the terms and conditions that i had to sign and return to the doctor. Before you connect it, you must attach an external radio device. Luckily, they botched the delivery and the device was 4 months late. Then when they finally sent it, it went to the wrong address. I called and said i never received it, before the neighbors brought my package. That's when i learned that the $1000 device i got was actually a subscription for $50 a month after the insurance contribution. I never plugged the radio device and the machine works just fine. I paid $1000 for a fan with a tube, but at least I'm not paying for the subscription and never connected the spying component. [1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22083759 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22083759

robterrell 3y ago
In the US, if the CPAP is being paid for by insurance, the cellular modem is used to track "compliance" -- i.e. are you using the thing enough for them to justify paying for it. But if not, the CPAPs I've seen have an "airplane" mode where the cellular modem can be turned off, and you can google for guides to physically disconnect the modem internally.
underlipton 3y ago
There seems to be a decent amount of terrible-business-practice-bullet-dodging these days, thanks in part to the slapdash nature of how many of these companies operate. I needed a new mattress a few years ago, and reluctantly dived into a market that is widely known to be a massive scam.[1] At the end of my second 100-day-trial, I prepared to return my unit and get my $700 back (much better than the $2000 I'd put on credit for the preceding one). However, the company I used simply processed the refund and suggested I move the mattress to a guest room, or donate it (at my expense). Something tells me that it was not actually worth anywhere close to $700. Less luck with my CPAP. The one I got through my doctor was subject to the same issues, and they even tried to charge me after I sent it back. The replacement I purchased off Craigslist had been used in a smoking household, which I didn't think would be a problem, but turned out to be a huge problem. Even after disassembling the thing, soaking every part I could in bleach, and meticulously cleaning the pump, it still pumps out air that smells faintly of tar and soot. It would be nice to live in a country where healthcare was accessible. [1]: https://boulter.com/blog/2008/08/20/the-mattress-industry-is-one-big-scam/ https://boulter.com/blog/2008/08/20/the-mattress-industry-is... (This does not reference the affiliate review hustle that has blown up since it was published.)

robterrell 3y ago

In the US, if the CPAP is being paid for by insurance, the cellular modem is used to track "compliance" -- i.e. are you using the thing enough for them to justify paying for it. But if not, the CPAPs I've seen have an "airplane" mode where the cellular modem can be turned off, and you can google for guides to physically disconnect the modem internally.

underlipton 3y ago

There seems to be a decent amount of terrible-business-practice-bullet-dodging these days, thanks in part to the slapdash nature of how many of these companies operate. I needed a new mattress a few years ago, and reluctantly dived into a market that is widely known to be a massive scam.[1] At the end of my second 100-day-trial, I prepared to return my unit and get my $700 back (much better than the $2000 I'd put on credit for the preceding one). However, the company I used simply processed the refund and suggested I move the mattress to a guest room, or donate it (at my expense). Something tells me that it was not actually worth anywhere close to $700. Less luck with my CPAP. The one I got through my doctor was subject to the same issues, and they even tried to charge me after I sent it back. The replacement I purchased off Craigslist had been used in a smoking household, which I didn't think would be a problem, but turned out to be a huge problem. Even after disassembling the thing, soaking every part I could in bleach, and meticulously cleaning the pump, it still pumps out air that smells faintly of tar and soot. It would be nice to live in a country where healthcare was accessible. [1]: https://boulter.com/blog/2008/08/20/the-mattress-industry-is-one-big-scam/ https://boulter.com/blog/2008/08/20/the-mattress-industry-is... (This does not reference the affiliate review hustle that has blown up since it was published.)