FTC finds that smart-device makers fail to make clear how long their products will be supported | TechCrunch

"Consumers stand to lose a lot of money if their smart products stop delivering the features they want," said Samuel Levine. This highlights the potential financial impact of purchasing smart devices without clear software update timelines.

The FTC found that 89% of 184 smart devices surveyed do not disclose software update duration. This lack of transparency can lead consumers to make ill-informed purchasing decisions.

FTC staff discovered that out of 184 smart devices, 161 did not provide information on support duration, and 124 had no data available via basic internet searches.

"Consider how the product will work if the manufacturer stops updating the software," warns the FTC. This emphasizes the need for consumers to think about potential limitations post-purchase.

Read at TechCrunch