Posted on 08/03/2021 1:15:01 PM PDT by dynachrome
The home-improvement chain is unveiling power tools that won't work unless they're properly scanned and activated at the register via Bluetooth technology. If a thief managed to smuggle a power drill out of the store without paying, the drill simply wouldn't turn on.
Scott Glenn, Home Depot's vice president of asset protection, told Insider about the company's fight against organized retail crime. He made a point to distinguish between "professional shoplifters" and disorganized solo thieves. The pros, he said, frequently are connected to a larger network that can, in some cases, function as a sophisticated "shadow business."
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
You’ll get punished with something like “talkie toaster” if not in compliance as a torture device.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRq_SAuQDec
They could always close those stores in cities who refuse to arrest and jail shoplifters.
Na that would make too much sense.
I know that will happen to me !
And my robot vacuum cleaner will be replaced by an even more neurotic version of Kryten !
“Dongles”. Yes, I remember them well. (I have a collection of them as a matter of fact). I used to enjoy removing the need for them from the software. I did a *BUNCH* of them.
OrCAD, 3D Studio, SNMPc, all sorts of apps.
Well, I moonlight as a professional reverse engineer. I’m given products by my employer, and I extract, and analyze the code, and produce a report. The instances of a “well designed security system” are very rare. From using microcontrollers with public exploits that allow you to dump the firmware. To using standard crypto functions poorly, it’s usually BAD. (Or home-rolled encryption/protection routines that are comically bad).
Now, as for these devices in particular? I’d bet this is an add-on of some sort. Bluetooth activated relay, or something like that. The normal microcontroller that you would use to run a motor like that WOULDN’T have bluetooth comm as an option. And I can’t see them opting for a whole new CPU/Controller/SoC just to slap this in.
I guess I will never know how this works. I saw today Home Depot is requiring masks again. I don’t shop at stores that require masks. I wonder how Menards handles this?
sounds exactly like what biden and company are doing to our country...
critical time
Like when your John Deere needs the computer tech, and you are miles away in the middle of critical harvest time.
I had to check and see if this was The Babylon Bee.
Will this be for all the tools of that brand, say Makita?
Or only those sold in Home Depot?
Home Depot (and Lowes) have enough horsepower that they get designs and models of items that are different from a company’s listed models.
Like my Delta Faucet, and my Tub/shower surround.
If so, I’d buy at an Ace or local hardware if it didn’t have the ‘activation’ device. Is Ace, or your corner hardware going to install ‘activation’ hardware?
If the local price is too high, I’d view the YouTube on how to jumper over or bypass the activation.
I think CAT does the same.
I’ll do everything I can to avoid a mask required establishment.
Every time I buy a big ticket item at the self checkout, somebody has to help to complete the transaction. It’s pretty obvious they want to make sure you are not stealing. If they don’t trust me they should use cashiers and stop treating me like a criminal.
+Their bags suck and they make you wear masks.
How about security guards with teeth?
The losses are in the millions, that I pay for.
Not when the tool has a brushless motor that is run by a microprocessor, and the activation is part of the microprocessor’s operating code.
= = =
Better stock up now, before . . . .
Not as bad as a gun that supposed to only operate for the owner, but could be very inconvenient.
= = =
OK This is Great!~
Open your safe to get your gun.
Open the other one for ammo.
Call 911 for your gun activation code.
They certainly are sleazy. That’s why I scan them.
I guess they’re a cost cutting measure for them, or who knows.
Those San Francisco Walgreens stores might still be open if they could put such switches into their shampoos, soaps, beauty aids, and other of the products that they vend.
Hey perhaps they could make their medications not work via the Internet.
And the nearest Kinkos went out of business
yeah, HD only cares about the more expensive thefts.
I only buy little crap from them online, like screws, nails, anchors, etc., bc 9/10 the local “contractors” (aka, displaced labor without I-9s) have already stolen half of them from the package at the store.
HD lives off illegal immigrants but screws the rest of us for it. Marcus has to know this, and I’ve heard no apologies or explanations from him.
Trump knows it, too. Would love for some clarification from both.
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