The Technology Vent and Rant Thread

[MegDreamsofBooks]

Originally Posted by Graham44

Being as this is the Technology Vent and Rant Thread - why the *%@& would you want an app? a remote and spare batteries is more than sufficient. Seriously not everything (in fact almost nothing in my eyes) needs an app, there's almost always a simpler more elegant solution than some stupid app. If I go to buy something now like a tv, fridge, washing machine etc and they say there's an app for it I don't buy it, I look for a model without it.

Tangent - we went to look at a new washing machine a few months ago and the sales girl was going all gooey eyed over a model that had an app so you could control the machine while out *gasp* how wonderful - I couldn't help being a little sarky (not about her but the machine) and commented how useful that would be if you forgot to put the washing on and you realised when you were at work, all you would have to do is drive home, load the machine, plug it in, drive back to work, open up your app and set the machine going. I know, I know, I didn't have to say anything, but these apps are getting silly, they are inventing problems just to make apps to solve them (the sales girl took it in good humor)

My washing machine (came with the rental house) has an app to control it, and as someone who is a big fan of app-enabled "smart" home devices. . . I absolutely HATE having an app-enabled washer and dryer. The whole thing is overly complex when I just want to toss in a load of clothes or linens, dump some soap, and run a "quick" wash cycle. Or a basic, extra-low-heat, timed dry cycle.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ratinox

Know what I kind of miss? Clickers. As in TV remote controls that used audible clicks to control TV sets. Purely mechanical, no batteries required.

My first remote controlled TV was interesting. The TV had dials. One you UHF and one for VHF. The remote caused the dials to turn to change the channel. So you did get the sound of the dials turning.

[nana77]

Originally Posted by MegDreamsofBooks

My washing machine (came with the rental house) has an app to control it, and as someone who is a big fan of app-enabled "smart" home devices. . . I absolutely HATE having an app-enabled washer and dryer. The whole thing is overly complex when I just want to toss in a load of clothes or linens, dump some soap, and run a "quick" wash cycle. Or a basic, extra-low-heat, timed dry cycle.

The car I'd bought had the stereo (also recent) from the previous proprietary installed, it requires an app otherwise many controls are not accessible, other than that the official app doesn't get much support and I saw a lot of users complaining about.
I did just found another stereo.
By the way, behind me at the mechanic workshop there was a person asking for a sticker to put near the oil change, complaining about that he also can't open the hood on his brand new car LOL.

Originally Posted by John F

When there is no down loadable (or even paper) User Guide.

And TVs should discreet input selection and power on/off codes. I recently purchased a new TV for my mom, and was concerned about her being able to operate it. Her old setup used Alexa, so everything was semi "automatic"; she only needed one remote. I even asked in the store to show me what happens when the TV is power cycled to make sure it stays on the same input; it did. But once we got it setup at home, there is a "timeout" on staying on the same input.

I think I have a work around, but it is a kludge.

Also, it doesn't have any buttons on the TV itself, so if the remote stops working, then what? This is the first TV/disaplay I've purchased without any buttons.

I purchased the TV because it had good reviews for its price. This will be my last TCL product.

Can you use a power strip (with a button)?

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by MegDreamsofBooks

My washing machine (came with the rental house) has an app to control it, and as someone who is a big fan of app-enabled "smart" home devices. . . I absolutely HATE having an app-enabled washer and dryer. The whole thing is overly complex when I just want to toss in a load of clothes or linens, dump some soap, and run a "quick" wash cycle. Or a basic, extra-low-heat, timed dry cycle.

totally evil