Smart Homes Are Terrible (The Atlantic)

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18. "I'm no Luddite" said the Luddite, lol

I get it, smart homes aren't yet as seamless and intuitive as they will be in a few years.

Having said that, of course there's going to be a bit of a learning curve to use technology that offers more features. Sure, a light switch is intuitive, but that's in large part because it's dead simple, never mind very familiar. On, off, that's it.

But a light switch that can be operated from your bed or your car or while on vacation? Or on a set schedule? Of course it's going to be a bit more complex to set up, learn to use, and maintain.

Is it all worth it? That's a personal choice. Me, I don't think the advantages are particularly compelling. Cool and fun, but usually not essential.

Having said that, it sure is nice to be able to check remotely if the garage door actually closed, talk to a visitor at the front door when your actually at work, turn down the thermostat from the airport after you forgot to do it in your haste to make your plane, or even just turn all the lights out in the whole house from your bed.