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I’m not opposed to the concept of smart appliances. Getting a phone notification when my load of laundry is done. Remotely starting the oven preheat. Having the humidifier interact with the thermostat automatically. Blinds that open on a schedule to gently wake you with natural light.

For the record, I don’t have any of these things, but I like the ideas of them. It’s the kind of stuff I was wide eyed and hopeful about as a sci fi loving kid.

The problem with ask these things is not the connectivity ideas, imho; it’s pretty much capitalism. These things can’t exist in a way that doesn’t also spy on you, build a profile that knows you better than yourself, and sells every last morsel of information to not just the highest bidder, but every bidder.

And to be clear, I don’t mean can’t on a technical level.

Original

I’m not opposed to the concept of smart appliances. Getting a phone notification when my load of laundry is done. Remotely starting the oven preheat. Having the humidifier interact with the thermostat automatically. Blinds that open on a schedule to gently wake you with natural light.

For the record, I don’t have any of these things, but I like the ideas of them. It’s the kind of stuff I was wide eyed and hopeful about as a sci fi loving kid.

The problem with ask these things is not the connectivity ideas, imho; it’s pretty much capitalism. These things can’t exist in a way that doesn’t also spy on you, build a profile that knows you better than yourself, and sells every last morsel of information to not just the highest bidder, but every bidder.