smart tv: what is my purpose?

me: HDMI 1

Which projector do you use?

Unfortunately lots of affordable projectors are also "smart" these days, running some kind of Android TV

Car, computer, printer, stove, TV etc...

My parents bought an Echo Show that they pretty much just ignore nowadays, except to set a timer or tell them the weather every once in a while. All it does all day is sit there and show ads for random stuff. It makes a terrible clock because its too busy showing ads half the time to actually show you the time in a font you can read from across the room. I know you can ask it to tell you the time, but thats so much slower than just looking at a normal clock

And then scroll shit loads of ads on insta

Do you not have a faucet?

I paid around $200 extra for a washer/dryer that did not have built in malware and internet access.

I'm all in favor of smart appliances... as long as they don't connect to the Internet. Give me a local HomeAssistant integration. That way, I can check what's in my refrigerator from my bed without worrying about it showing me ads.

I would very much like a tablet on the wall, like a digital cork board/calendar/photo frame etc

Building it into the fridge with what I assume are zero options about the actual software involved ain't it though.

"Luddite" has been turned into a slur over time but it is actually a view point that humans should have a say on what technology does to them and for who. They were not technophobes. They were technodeterminists.

The one smart feature I could see being nice is inventory tracking.

There's some new regulation incoming in the EU where they're doing QR codes on products with the price and also expiry date. A fridge that scans my milk carton as I put it in and then also knows the expiry date would be neat.

I don't see this as something I could ever need, but for old people or people with various disabilities? Could have its use.

They have electrolytes.

Eat some vegetables

I’m afraid I can’t do that 🍰

Right? That’s what my Samsung smartwatch is for

Picture this; A stereotypical couple in their mid to late fifties. Their fridge just broke, and they need a new one ASAP before their food goes bad. They go to the closest appliance store and browse. The salesperson gets commission on sales and really tries to sell them on the most expensive fridge. This couple does not keep up with the latest consumer rights violations, same as most people. The salesman convinces one of them that the Smart fridge is exactly what they need. It keeps track of when their food will expire, gives reminders to use up ingredients, has timers for cooking, and comes with an app for recipes. The other person is not convinced but they agree to buy it anyway to make their partner happy.

They get it home and it's okay at first. It does what it's supposed to. Then one day, they get an ad for Apple+ which they canceled a few months ago. It mentions one of their names. How were they supposed to know this would happen? Did the salesman inform them of the advertising capabilities? Did it say it on the box? Realistically, this happens way more often than you would think. It's punishing your friends and family to insult them for not knowing better. We should be pre-emptively teaching them about these practices, not bullying them. Bullying them will only reinforce their purchase because thats how human psychology works.

Relavent XKCD:

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Modern fridges last less than 7 years.

I like smart devices and IoT but I hate that for normal people this has been diluted down to cameras and screens on everything with no consideration about privacy or boundaries.

As always, it's because some people have too much money.

As long as you’re not named Carol and taking antipsychotics