This is definitely on the horizon and future generations won’t even be aware of a time when you didn’t pay a subscription for every aspect of life. (TikTok screencap)
this post was submitted on 25 Sep 2025
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Is there a kind of open source dumb appliance movement out there? It sure seems like we need one.
They wouldn't be free as in beer, but it would be awesome to have widely available instructions to take existing mass produced parts and assemble a functional and serviceable appliance.
Or maybe just a control module and some sensors that you can use to retrofit smart appliances.
I'm sure the big companies would keep them from gaining mass adoption though, thanks to cheap appliances with ads and junk parts. They probably already have.
I had an idea to create FOSH (Free open source hardware) license and wiki that contains schematics and plans for making your own hardware, be it a fridge or printer, or handheld label machine but i dont know if it will be worth anyones time. I dont have electrical engineering degree so i couldnt do more than test the products and maintain the website.
Or ... just don't connect it to the internet?
It is not because it has a wifi antenna or an ethernet port that you need to connect it. Especially if you only want to use the dumb features anyway.
This is increasingly becoming a false statement, unfortunately. Companies are indeed forcing customers to connect in order to use the regular features. For instance, Roku TVs won't let you change to a regular HDMI input without first connecting and accepting their ToS and updates.
Secondly, even when the forced connection hasn't been implemented yet, the problem is not entirely fixed. These fridges with digital panels are notorious for randomly having that panel fail, and then the ENTIRE FRIDGE stops working, even though the actually useful compressor and refrigeration loop is intact. Of course, the company will also refuse to sell you a replacement digital panel.
A smart appliance disconnected is still significantly worse than a dumb appliance.
That's why I also mentioned them being made cheaply and using junk parts.