The app instructed me to perform certain actions to calibrate the exoskeleton and determine whether I was operating it correctly. It only let me move on in the setup if I could prove I was operationally proficient.
What’s your problem with the app? It sounds like a legit reason for one. Kinda dumb to just condemn apps regardless of context.
Usually the issue with app dependent products, is that it rely on a fucking cloud connection. That imply that if the cloud service goes down or the company collapse, your their product become unusable. Yet all corps continue to do it as it is super handy to track their pigeon users. Data can then be sold or used to plot growth curves that gives their CEO an erection.
Also it probably requires you to have a google or apple account.
My point being, the article lists perfectly good reasons for the app to exist, but you’ve made assumptions about it based solely on absolutely no data. What’s the point of linking an article about an unrelated app and company?
Also, as I recall, that 2nd case about the washing machine turned out to be faulty measurements on the router side.
The app doesn’t have to exist. Calibration can happen via other means.
You’re zeroing in on this one app’s supposed utility, missing the broader, well-documented pattern of issues with app-dependent, cloud-connected devices. The fundamental problem isn’t this specific app, but the systemic risks: data harvesting, planned obsolescence when servers shut down, and companies shifting terms post-purchase. Dismissing valid comparisons because the product category differs is a smokescreen. The concern isn’t an assumption based on nothing; it’s based on a consistent history of consumer-unfriendly practices across the IoT landscape.
Google Nest Secure: Bricked by server shutdown (announced for April 2024).
Revolv Smart Home Hub: Bricked by server shutdown after Nest acquisition (2016).
Vizio Smart TVs: Caught collecting and selling viewing data (settlement in 2017).
Sonos Older Speakers: Attempted forced obsolescence through a “recycle mode” (faced backlash around 2020).
iRobot (Roomba): Privacy concerns over mapping user homes and data sharing (surfaced significantly around 2017-2022, especially with Amazon acquisition talks).
Anki (Cozmo/Vector Robots): Company folded, impacting cloud server access for full functionality (2019).
Cloud-Based Pet Feeders: Multiple brands have had server outages causing failures (ongoing issue, specific examples like Petnet in 2016 & 2020).
Wink Smart Home Hubs: Imposed sudden mandatory subscription fees (2020).
Philips Hue Smart Lights: Increased account requirements and phased out older bridge support (various changes, e.g., original bridge support ended 2020).
My Cloud Home Drives (Western Digital):Local file access blocked during server outages (notable widespread outages in 2021 and 2023).
“Smart” Padlocks: Prone to software/hardware failures and security vulnerabilities discovered (ongoing, e.g., Tapplock issues reported around 2018-2019).
You literally have to establish cloud access first by registering an account or SSO then signing in before even using the app. Then you grant Bluetooth access. You can download the app and see right now.
At ANY point this company can collect your data or do any combination of things from the list I mentioned.
That was my bloody point from the first comment? Without any indication, why make assumptions? I didn’t make any claims, I only pointed out the ridiculousness.
Only because the older folks keep pushing for apps and such by setting the example. If an analog option isn’t even discussed, the younger generation definitely won’t know how much simpler certain processes can be.
What’s your problem with the app? It sounds like a legit reason for one. Kinda dumb to just condemn apps regardless of context.
Usually the issue with app dependent products, is that it rely on a fucking cloud connection. That imply that if the cloud service goes down or the company collapse,
yourtheir product become unusable. Yet all corps continue to do it as it is super handy to track their pigeon users. Data can then be sold or used to plot growth curves that gives their CEO an erection.Also it probably requires you to have a google or apple account.
Well that’s a whole load of assumptions based on absolutely nothing…
First example in mind: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/i-wont-connect-my-dishwasher-your-stupid-cloud
And a 2nd one: https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/your-washing-machine-could-be-sending-37-gb-of-data-a-day
My point being, the article lists perfectly good reasons for the app to exist, but you’ve made assumptions about it based solely on absolutely no data. What’s the point of linking an article about an unrelated app and company?
Also, as I recall, that 2nd case about the washing machine turned out to be faulty measurements on the router side.
The app doesn’t have to exist. Calibration can happen via other means.
You’re zeroing in on this one app’s supposed utility, missing the broader, well-documented pattern of issues with app-dependent, cloud-connected devices. The fundamental problem isn’t this specific app, but the systemic risks: data harvesting, planned obsolescence when servers shut down, and companies shifting terms post-purchase. Dismissing valid comparisons because the product category differs is a smokescreen. The concern isn’t an assumption based on nothing; it’s based on a consistent history of consumer-unfriendly practices across the IoT landscape.
Skepticism isn’t an “assumption based on nothing”; it’s pattern recognition.
Nice list!
Is there any indication in the article that this is even cloud dependent?
You literally have to establish cloud access first by registering an account or SSO then signing in before even using the app. Then you grant Bluetooth access. You can download the app and see right now.
At ANY point this company can collect your data or do any combination of things from the list I mentioned.
Great, thank you. Some actual facts. Now I can agree with you.
Is ther any indication that it is local only? Is the product exposed API documented?
That was my bloody point from the first comment? Without any indication, why make assumptions? I didn’t make any claims, I only pointed out the ridiculousness.
You asked why people are pissed off by apps, here is some reasons. I honestly couldn’t care less for that toy belt.
Calibration needs is not an excuse to give up on privacy.
Could be done with a button
How would a button give you instructions and feedback…?
Instructions: paper
Feedback: green light, yellow light, red light.
too analog for those gen-z and younger folks…
Only because the older folks keep pushing for apps and such by setting the example. If an analog option isn’t even discussed, the younger generation definitely won’t know how much simpler certain processes can be.
A single calibration button?