I think you can only tell what true innovation is when looking backwards in time.
Meaningful technology never really goes away. We still use the wheel, all the mechanical fasteners that were invented through human history (cordage, mechanical joinery, nails, rivets, screws, bolts etc), simple machinery (e.g. mechanical presses), simple electronics.
Each new meaningful invention - that was once the pinnacle of technology - proves its worth by settling down in to a niche that will never go away. I wager that smart toasters will not be in this category...
I wonder if smart toasters could be in this category if the technology and APIs were made open in the way that a car is open (maybe not modern cars). You can swap out and replace components, fix broken parts, etc. even if the company no longer exists.
Meaningful technology never really goes away. We still use the wheel, all the mechanical fasteners that were invented through human history (cordage, mechanical joinery, nails, rivets, screws, bolts etc), simple machinery (e.g. mechanical presses), simple electronics.
Each new meaningful invention - that was once the pinnacle of technology - proves its worth by settling down in to a niche that will never go away. I wager that smart toasters will not be in this category...