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Cars Are Rolling Computers Now. So What Happens When They Stop Getting Updates? (www.wired.com)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by jeffw to c/technology

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[–] [email protected] 25 points 4 months ago (3 children)

The problem isn't analogue Vs digital, or even software controlled or not. It's about the design assuming:

The manufacturer will always exist
The manufacturer should be the only one to maintain the device.
The manufacture will define what the owner will do with the device.

An analogue device can be at fault too. Proprietary parts. Construction techniques which don't allow for dissambly without destroying things. All that stuff.

...but you're right. Buy the items that let you service them, that don't rely on cloud servers and software updates, that use standard parts, etc, etc. Right to repair legislation is good too, but the companies understand purchasing power more. So educate those around you too.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago

A lot of what's driving these decisions is the mass switch to subscription models. Everything's designed so you have to keep coming back to the manufacturer.

It used to be making a high quality, standalone product meant you could spend less on customer service and RMA's. Now they've figured out they can sell you service contracts and make money off you being locked in.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

While I’m not in love with proprietary software nor APIs from the start, I would accept some policy/regulation that would require smart device manufacturers to open-source the drivers after some given time.

Too many devices become obsolete software-wise then become e-waste not too long after. At least by open-sourcing you allow others to at least use the hardware, and the manufacturer benefits by saying “we didn’t just brick everything” while people who actually care to support it can do so.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Analogue doesn't have firmware that can reject a device based on id.

So you can reverse engineer a replacement part if you absolutely have to.