[kleiba]

Huh, why is that? Admittedly, I only own older appliances, but somehow they don't require updates.

Subscription payments? For household devices you own?

I suspect "phoning home" is a good incentive for manufacturers, but why would anyone buy such a device then?

[lionkor]

Not buying them means usually having a good understanding what "smart" means, or why having an app as a requirement is silly. The mean consumer has no idea what any of that means, they sometimes even lack the technical vocabulary needed to put into words what annoys them.

[IAmBroom]

Dunno, but welcome to the world post-IOT.

You've apparently been off the web and out of stores for over a decade. Home Depot sells a bluetooth-connected shower head (just the head - it doesn't turn the water on). There are smart thermostats that are wifi connected so you can change the temperature of your house from anywhere in the world... for reasons...

[kleiba]

You're right, I'm trying hard to practice digital detox as much as I can. Unfortunately, for job and family reasons I cannot give up an internet connection at home, but I have never owned a mobile phone in my life.

It often feels strange when I peak out my head into the real world as it exists today.