Talks to Watch

UPDATED: How to: Reset C by GE Light Bulbs

2.6M views · Jan 3, 2019 · 3:02 · 0 HN recommenders · 5 mentions · discussed 2019–2023

GE Lighting's official how-to for factory resetting C by GE smart bulbs, using a long sequence of precisely timed on and off cycles.

Why Hacker News points people here: HN cites it as a prime example of absurd, user-hostile IoT reset procedures.

What Hacker News said 5

Cites itrobertelderAug 2019

“Here is the instructional video referenced on how to reset the bulb”

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Here is the instructional video referenced on how to reset the bulb: this video It reminds me of the 'cinco' product line: link link link

in “GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity” · view on HN
Criticalphone8675309May 2020
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Given the following video on GE Lighting’s YouTube account, I would imagine that what’s next after (smart) LEDs is a better company that cares about the end user producing a better product at a fraction of the price: this video

in “GE switches off light bulb business after almost 130 years” · view on HN
CriticalundersuitSep 2020

“This video about reseting a GE bulb shows how you reset a device with”

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> How did you go about even initiating that? This video about reseting a GE bulb shows how you reset a device with "one" button. I love it. this video

in “I can’t upgrade the firmware of my toothbrush because I once did jailbreak” · view on HN
Criticalrunlevel1Feb 2022

“I'm reminded of the farcical firmware reset procedure for C by GE Light Bulbs”

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> turn the car on, stick the first key in the one port, remove it, open the driver side door as an indicator and then finish with the second key I'm reminded of the farcical firmware reset procedure for C by GE Light Bulbs: this video Though, in GE's defense, light bulbs do have a pretty limited interface.

in “Thousands of Mazdas in the Seattle area are stuck on a single FM radio station” · view on HN
CriticalrobswcSep 2023

“You have to repeat a sequence with near perfect timing, that takes about a minute straight.”

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Not to high-jack but I too would like to lament (and hopefully humor HN) about "smart home" gadgets and the companies behind them. I bought a "Cync" bulb from GE and had to reset it, I couldn't for the life of me. This is their official video on how to do it: this video You have to repeat a sequence with near perfect timing, that takes about a minute straight. Since we moved, I had to do this for 4 lights and wanted to tear my hair out, lol. I've found that for whatever reason, "smart home" stuff is some of the worst designed and managed products out there.

in “The Philips Hue ecosystem is collapsing into stupidity” · view on HN