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From: Rich <rich@example.invalid>
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.misc,alt.os.linux.mint
Subject: Re: smart plugs???
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:05:40 -0000 (UTC)
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In comp.os.linux.misc Mike Scott <usenet.16@scottsonline.org.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 15/01/2025 20:31, Pancho wrote:
>> I think you have to be careful that they are not controlled by a 
>> cloud service.  If you have a cloud service you need a working wan 
>> connection and you are exposed to the cloud service provider 
>> disappearing.
> 
> (Thanks to all for replying)
> 
> This is the rub.  tp-link clearly /want/ the consumer to use their 
> "cloud" service - which is usually just a fancy codeword for 'we want 
> your data'.

> There's no actual /need/ that I can see in this case.

There is no actual /need/, provided the buyer is slightly technically 
inclined.

For the 99.1% of their users, who are lost if their icon for FB moves 
5mm away from the location it has always been located, it provides a 
way for TP-Link to get them setup and working (and working from both 
local to their home network and from somewhere remote).

Which would be the reason given if the maker was pushed.  Reality is, 
they also love the money available from selling the data treasure trove 
they can hoover up as well.