Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Hundreds of pets go hungry after server outages render PetNet's feeders useless

Rick Stella
By

petnet server outages leave pets hungry feeder petnet2
PetNet
When PetNet, the automatic pet feeder billed as “the smartest way to feed your pet,” burst on the scene last year, it aimed to revolutionize the way people cared for their beloved cats and dogs. However, despite the company packing the $149 system to the gills with smart tech and automation, a recent server outage did the exact opposite of the device’s purpose, leaving hundreds of pets hungry. Needless to say, owners of the device — along with their pets — weren’t terribly pleased with a mere server glitch disrupting the entire system.

According to PetNet, the issue stemmed from a third-party server the company said was experiencing “minor difficulties.” Despite the company saying it was currently investigating the glitch, hosts of PetNet users were chafed about the outage. The typical response seen among owners and across the web was one of disbelief at how Internet of Things-powered devices could be rendered useless so easily. During the outage, PetNet attempted to comfort worried pet owners via an email.

PetNet1
PetNet
http://www.petnet.io/press
Recommended Videos

“We are experiencing some difficulty with one of our third-party servers,” read the email. “This is currently being investigated and we will provide you with more information as we receive it from our partners. You may experience a loss of scheduled feeds and failed remote feedings. Please ensure that your pets have been fed manually until we have resolved this issue. We’ll continue to update you with our progress on resolving this issue.”

Related

According to The Guardian, PetNet CEO Carlos Herrera admitted that the third-party server had been down for roughly 10 hours. Moreover, the server — which PetNet apparently rents from Google — featured no redundancy backups (hence the continued outage), though Herrera said the company plans on implementing a workaround. It is worth pointing out that Herrera added that only around 10 percent of PetNet users were affected by the wonky server, saying previously set schedules don’t have to utilize the third-party server to operate.

At the time of this writing, PetNet assured its customers that all of its systems were back online and functioning properly. Furthermore, it said it would closely monitor the function of its servers and would be sending out a more detailed email in the next few days.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rick Stella
Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
How to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won’t connect to Wi-Fi
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock Deadbolt keypad being used by someone.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is one of the best smart locks, as it's available in a variety of formats and makes it easy to keep tabs on your front door when away from home. Much of this functionality is driven by support for Wi-Fi connections on select models, as you can quickly connect the unit to your home network and access all its features via its companion mobile app.

However, some users may notice their Yale Assure Lock 2 appears offline or that it's no longer connected to Wi-Fi. It can be a frustrating issue to deal with, as a lock that's offline won't let you access its best features – meaning you'll want to get it back online as soon as possible.

Read more
Get 50% off these incredible scent diffusers to luxuriate your living space
Hotel Collection scent diffuser with unique oils on sale

An excellent and convenient way to fill your home with luxurious, aromatic scents is to employ a diffuser, an electronic device that turns perfume-like oils into mist and disperses it into the surrounding air, in this case, the air in your living space or home. Hotel Collection is our favorite place to shop for new diffusers, supplies like oils, and other notable accessories. And wouldn't you know it? Right now, they're offering 50% off large diffusers when you use code JUSTFORYOU50 at checkout. That remarkable deal allows you to save half of the biggest diffusers from Hotel Collection, like the Penthouse or the Presidential models. They offer coverage for areas from 1,200 square feet up to 6,000 square feet, which means your entire home will smell splendid. Act soon because the deal will be over before you know it.
Shop Now
 
Why you should buy a Hotel Collection scent diffuser for your home
You deserve a true sanctuary to come home to. Not just one that is clean and inviting but also smells divine, like the scent of homecooked baking, fresh linens, or . You know, the kind of encapsulating scents befitting of an elegant hotel -- only within the comfort of your home. That's precisely what Hotel Collection diffusers and scents can bring into your livable spaces.

Starting with the diffusers that make it all happen, there are a variety of options, from small, like the Studio Pro Scent Diffuser, which covers up to 600 square feet, to extra-large, like the Double Presidential Scent Diffuser, which covers up to 6,00 square feet. Whatever the size of your home, property, or living space, from condos to mansions, Hotel Collection has you covered.

Read more
How to format the microSD card on Tapo security cameras
The Tapo C120 out in the rain.

One of the most compelling features of Tapo products (like the Wire-Free 2K Outdoor Cam and Indoor/Outdoor Cam) is support for local storage. Many Tapo security cameras let you install a microSD card, so you don't have to rely on cloud storage to save all your videos – instead, they're neatly stored right on your camera. Before you can start using local storage, however, you'll need to format your microSD card. Tapo has some pretty strict requirements for how this works, but the process itself is remarkably simple.

Ready to start saving all your video clips locally? Here's how to format the microSD card on your Tapo security camera.

Read more