A skeptical take on smart homes: Why simple light switches beat voice-activated AI
Lacks bite. And filling. And a copy-editor at the bakery.
Summary
A skeptical reflection on the smart home trend showcased at CES, where thousands of exhibitors promoted voice-activated AI assistants and home automation. The narrator shares personal failures with smart devices (locked out of an iPad for a decade, forgotten passwords, still using AOL email) and highlights designer Thomas Yang's preference for simple light switches. The article warns about risks of over-reliance on smart technology, such as Wi-Fi outages preventing basic functions like weighing oneself or opening doors.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledDesigner Thomas Yang favors light switches for tactile, server-independent interaction.
The narrator reports repeated failures with smart devices, including being locked out of an iPad for ten years.
Wi-Fi outages preventing weight checks and door access when connectivity fails.
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