Technology

Manufacturer issues remote kill command to disable smart vacuum after engineer blocks it from collecting data — user revives it with custom hardware and Python scripts to run offline

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Nov 1, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

An engineer discovered his iLife A11 smart vacuum was sending data to the manufacturer without consent, leading him to block telemetry servers and trigger a remote kill command that disabled the device. Despite attempts to revive it at the service center, the vacuum would fail again once connected to the blocked network. By disassembling the vacuum, creating custom hardware, and using Python scripts, the engineer managed to bypass the kill command and run the device offline, regaining control over his data. His experience highlights potential security risks with smart devices and the importance of maintaining control over personal data.

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Exclusive eBook: Inside the stealthy startup that pitched brainless human clones

The exclusive eBook delves into R3 Bio, a startup proposing brainless human clones as backup bodies for longevity. The startup's ethically charged vision raises concerns about cloning ethics. The eBook, available only to subscribers, explores the controversial pursuit of human longevity through cloning. Antonio Regalado's work sheds light on the startup's startling concept and its potential implications.

MIT Technology Review•

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Your Walmart might be 3D printed — firm building more than a dozen 3D-printed Walmart expansions with concrete-printing robots

Alquist 3D is advancing 3D concrete printing technology with their A1X robotic arm printer, which can lay down layers at high speed. Partnering with construction firm FMGI, they plan to build over a dozen Walmart expansions using this technology. The company aims to scale up 3D printing for construction by collaborating with equipment distributors and contractors. The A1 Series printers are designed for various construction needs, with the A1X capable of constructing walls up to 20 feet high. Despite some limitations, like the inability to print roofs, 3D printed concrete offers faster construction times and can withstand challenging weather conditions.

Tom's Hardware•

6 days ago

Enthusiast fixes 30-year issue with S3 graphics card — hacking the VBIOS fixes black levels by scalpelling out the Virge DX’s ‘pedestal bit’

A retro hardware enthusiast successfully fixed a 30-year-old issue with S3 graphics cards by hacking the VBIOS to address the 'pedestal bit' problem that caused washed-out black levels. By adjusting the hexadecimal value in the VBIOS code, the darkest blacks were restored to their proper color, eliminating the undesirable gray appearance. The enthusiast used debugging tools to locate and modify the pedestal bit, then dumped the VBIOS to a file, made the necessary tweaks, and flashed it back to the hardware. The fix resulted in a deep black background upon booting, confirming the successful elimination of the pedestal bit issue. This solution can potentially be applied to other S3 Virge DX models, offering a resolution to a long-standing problem in graphics card technology.

Tom's Hardware•

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This Roboticist-Turned-Teacher Built a Life-Size Replica of ENIAC

Roboticist-turned-teacher Tom Burick has constructed a life-size replica of ENIAC to enhance the learning experience of his neurodivergent students by connecting them with history. Burick, who is dedicated to incorporating technology and history into his teaching, poses with his robots Otto, Vincent, and Maria, each with its unique role. This project aims to provide a hands-on approach to teaching computer history and robotics, offering students a tangible connection to the past. Burick's innovative approach showcases the intersection of robotics, education, and historical technology in a practical and engaging manner.

IEEE Spectrum•

1 week ago