[chiph]

The Zigbee protocol the devices use is a standard, but from what I picked up from between the lines of the article is that the firm locked the devices because of liability fears. If someone DIY's their alarm system and then it fails to work during an actual home-invasion, they don't want to be sued.

[Silhouette]

Surely a reasonable solution to this kind of problem is to change the law if necessary so that businesses aren't on the hook for damages that weren't their fault? I suspect this may be a particularly US-based problem anyway given the excessively litigious environment that seems to persist there.

The idea that we're deliberately bricking useful technology devices because of lawyers is abhorrent. Realistically, their owners are probably then dumping them in many cases rather than sending them for any useful form of recycling, which is hugely wasteful. You'd think with the increasing awareness of issues like environmental protection and right to repair, we'd have been more enlightened by now.

[hanklazard]

I think you’re right but this would require and thoughtful and functional Congress.

[clairity]

it's pretty functional and thoughtful for the wealthy. instead we need a congress responsive to the long-term common interests of the citizenry and not beholden to the singular interests of the rich.

[brokenmachine]

Guillotines don't need a network connection.

[mrr54]

They should still be responsible for damages if they were their fault, though. Just like you shouldn't lose the warranty on your car because you get the tyres changed at an independent garage.