I think it's interesting that the author mentions the Playstation Portable as an example: it seems like the reason it doesn't work actually _isn't_ a fault of the device manufacturer:
> You might think that a 15-year-old gaming console wouldn't even be operating, but Sony's build quality is such that, with the exception of a very tired lithium-Ion battery, the unit is in perfect condition. It runs but can't connect to modern Wi-Fi without an update, which it can't access without an update to its firmware (a classic catch-22).
In this case, developers seem to actually have provided updates, but it just doesn't work! Reminds me of when I booted up an old laptop to find that the old root SSL certificates don't work for sites today and everything's HTTPS now ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It really points to an issue with net-connected tech (and yes, the PSP actually benefits from being online unlike certain ridiculous IOT devices): really, even if the manufacturer designs with long term support in mind, the rest of the world doesn't. So I don't know quite how tractable a problem this really is in the Internet age; the solution might be just better electronics recycling rather than indefinite updates
That is great flexibility and design! Also, it might be possible to either find an older access point, or configure a modern one to use an older standard, so all hope should not be lost. :)
> You might think that a 15-year-old gaming console wouldn't even be operating, but Sony's build quality is such that, with the exception of a very tired lithium-Ion battery, the unit is in perfect condition. It runs but can't connect to modern Wi-Fi without an update, which it can't access without an update to its firmware (a classic catch-22).
In this case, developers seem to actually have provided updates, but it just doesn't work! Reminds me of when I booted up an old laptop to find that the old root SSL certificates don't work for sites today and everything's HTTPS now ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It really points to an issue with net-connected tech (and yes, the PSP actually benefits from being online unlike certain ridiculous IOT devices): really, even if the manufacturer designs with long term support in mind, the rest of the world doesn't. So I don't know quite how tractable a problem this really is in the Internet age; the solution might be just better electronics recycling rather than indefinite updates