ScrubblesBelkin is killing off parts of the Wemo Line
SwizzleStickIf a device relies on any kind of external service to initially set up or function thereafter, do not buy. Regardless of brand.
Or accept that it has a finite lifespan that you cannot control. It’s not a matter of if the rug will get pulled, but when.
There is a grey area for things that can be reflashed or rebrained, but I prefer to not rely on this. Local access methods like ZigBee, Z-Wave and 433Mhz are immune to this kind of enshittification by design. Even WiFi devices can fit in here, with appropriate restrictions in place.
An acceptable middle-ground would be for EOL devices to be offered (with a big disclaimer) a final update that removes the reliance on the service but retains the core function. That’s a pipe dream though.
ZikejiIf a device relies on any kind of external service to initially set up or function thereafter, do not buy. Regardless of brand.
This is what I strive for. When I was looking for a wall charger for my EV I was shocked at how there was only one option that wasn’t “cloud” based. And those aren’t cheap.
Insane. At the core it’s no more than an extension lead with a shaped plug. Some basic brains for safety.
If I had to go that route, I’d wall it off from the main network/internet at large.
I went with the open source one. Slightly more expensive, but has I wanted to I could have bought all the parts and assembled it myself, compiled the firmware, etc.
Hardcore, I love it.