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There was a topic posted recently (I forgot where) where I had mentioned that literally everything in my house is a smart app, from the oven to my electric wheelchair. I figured I'd keep that conversation going. Do smart appliances actually make life better or just add more points of failure?

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Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

I can't imagine you'll get any agreement on this. When technology works well it can be wonderful, especially to someone who has mobility issues. In my experience I have trouble getting any two devices to cooperate. I am constantly losing my connection to my downstairs laptop, even though I am doing everything according to Microsoft suggestions for a home network. My Bluetooth problems are legendary at this point. Even something as simple as connecting/disconnecting my hearing aids to a brand new Bluetooth streamer attached to a brand new LG B5 TV, and controlled by an app on my Google Android phone is inconsistent. It can take 1-2 minutes just to connect to all the devices.

So I imagine a house where my lights, TV, air conditioner, furnace, stove, etc. are all networked. My feeling is that it would be a constant nightmare of connection issues. And every manufacturer would just point the finger at the other manufacturers.

Side note: I once saw an ad for a vape pen that came with a downloadable app you could use on your smart phone to turn the vape pen on and off.

Insanity.

Edited by Reverend Jim
commented: From "It goes to 11" to "It has AI". +17
Member Avatar for Salem

"smart" is the new "dumb".

https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Futurehome_Smarthub_mandatory_subscription_fee

To have anything "smart" in your home, you're basically hoping one of two things doesn't happen:

  • the manufacturer doesn't arbitrarily change the T&C
  • some miscreant doesn't hack their way in

One thing is for sure, in the stampede to market, security is one of the lesser priorities. For sure, many people will be left with devices rendered all but obsolete because the manufacturer can't be arsed to provide any more security updates (or they will, provided you lay down the $$$ for a new model).

You want a "smart" lock for your front door? Just go search for "lock picking lawyer" on youtube. Some of the so-called "smart" locks are worse than the silly bits of plastic to keep the kids out of the cookie jar.

commented: We skip the testing and pass the savings on to you. +16
commented: The new dev method: SEND IT. +17
Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

Another reason why I have a problem with tech.

It's not just investing in a software technology that gets abandoned (Hello Microsoft). Logitech is a fairly big company and they just screwed people who invested in their tech. At least when they stopped making Betamax tapes and VCRs the already sold devices kept working.

Edited by Reverend Jim
commented: Agreed - everything "smart" is either a brick or a ransom note waiting to happen +16
commented: Logitech screwed me over when they removed drivers for previous products from their website. There's several companies I won't buy from now. +9
Member Avatar for Dani

It wasn't a $100 smart home device, but rather a $7,000 telepresence robot that got bricked when the company was sold to a robotics company with different motivations for buying the tech.

commented: One of my coworkers worked at a telepresence company long ago. Might have had an iPad for the head. If you have it, let me know and see if what's what +17
Member Avatar for Dani

One of my coworkers worked at a telepresence company long ago. Might have had an iPad for the head. If you have it, let me know and see if what's what

So first I had a Beam telepresence robot. That company got sold and my robot got bricked, but I desperately needed something because I was in California and my office was still in New York. So I got a different brand, whose name escapes me. I didn't use it for very long because it was basically a Segway on wheels and it kept tipping over. Honestly, I have no idea why the telepresence robot needed to be self-balancing, but alas, that was its schtick.

See here.

commented: I've sent a message to them. My bet is it's dead Jim. +0
Member Avatar for Dani

I've sent a message to them. My bet is it's dead Jim.

Huh? I'm not Jim?

commented: Star Trek TOS reference. I get that a lot. +16
commented: Star Wars TOS reference? Not. I see Jim answered. Still sent a message to my old coworker. +0
Member Avatar for Dani

Star Trek TOS reference. I get that a lot.

Oh, sorry. I only watched TNG, Voyager, Picard, and a tiny bit of DS9.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

Not Enterprise? How are you on Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Self Discovery?

Member Avatar for Dani

Sorry, but none of them.

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