Has anyone experience how bad the proriatary software is on such machines? For Kenwood there is an app (Kenwood World App) which apparently guides you through the cooking-process. Does anyone have a idea for how long this app or other apps from similar machines will be maintained? Does anyone have experience of using such a device without an internet connection?

I am sure that there wont ever be a simple foss app which can connect to such a device, but how bad is it? I am worried that the new Kenwoods wont be as durable as the old one I had (had it handed down, was around 30yo), because the software will be discontinued.

Looking for people with experiences with such machines and their software-side.

  • ShadowA
    24·
    4 months ago

    Why do you need an app to guide you through cooking?

    Why would you buy a kitchen appliance that requires an app in the first place? Optional, sure. Required? Fuck no.

    Your concerns of software support are valid. Typically the companies lose interest within 5 years in my experience.

    Also I have no idea what appliance this is in the picture. Is this a stand mixer? Combined with a scale? And an induction cooker? Just buy one of each and save a pile of money and hassle. Integrated devices never do anything well.

    I guarantee this hardware will fail within 10 years. Your 30 hand me down probably has no digital circuits in it, it’s all mechanical and easily repaired.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
      5·
      4 months ago

      Why do you need an app to guide you through using a cooking appliance?

      Ftfy… A minor correction, because wtf is all this IoT nonsense with appliances?

      I just repaired our 20-year-old dishwasher with a part that cost $30 online. No electronics, just a simple electro-mechanical timer in it. What else would it need to spray water and pump it out?

    • Freeman@feddit.deOPEnglish
      4·
      4 months ago

      The appliance in the picture is a standmixer + scale + induction cooker with additional features to do much more (if you buy them ofc). What I dont know is if the app/wifi connection is required or optional, if its required I am not buying it.

      It appeals to me because you can just throw in the ingredients the appliance tells you to and after 10-20 mins you have a done onepot, soup, dough or sauce. But am worried about the software part of this becuse I am with you about those 5 years and then they lose interest. But those companies are reputable and have a long history of repairing their devices and giving new warranty on it after the repair. So that makes me optimistic, kinda.

      • ShadowA
        6·
        4 months ago

        Software just changes too much IMHO. That thing isn’t going to support the latest wifi security setting you want to turn on in 5 years. For long term appliances, I would avoid anything that requires use of an app or loses functionality without one.

    • fraksken@infosec.pub
      2·
      4 months ago

      Very well put. I also avoid any appliance that needs internet or an app.

      Kenwood is a great brand, but I’d never pay extra for it to become “smart”.