The article isn't talking about smart devices generally but corporate owned devices subject to enshittification
this post was submitted on 31 Mar 2024
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Depends on how you use them, I think. Magic boxes that are tied into the cloud and just give you an app to control your lights, dumb. Setting up a system that automates your home electrical appliances in a thoughtful manner can actually deliver savings and maybe even improve your life. Even as someone getting into smart home stuff, though, mainly what I'm seeing is the ability to save power by having some kind of intelligent control over your devices. Everything else is flashing lights and surveillance.
Problem is, your average user isn't going to be setting up a LAN-only, zigbee-to-homeassistant automation. They need the magic box type of interface. So as a mass market thing it seems kind of doomed.
I disagree. I bought a smart light bulb a few years ago and it has been a fantastic investment!
Uses way less power than a normal incandescent bulb, lasts waaayyyyyy longer, has lots of different colours and white colour temperatures, has schedules that it runs through every day based on sunrise and sunset... I never have to turn it on or off or adjust it!
It's fantastic, I bloody love it. LIFX.
One of the best investments I've made this decade, absolutely.
Oh and don't forget LIFX bulbs don't require any hubs, and there's a python library available to do local LAN API stuff, no need to speak to a remote server if that's not your jam.
I totally agree with this, Lifx is my favorite brand. Remote access to turn on lights and adjust, themes seasonally, hub less, buuuttt not the cheapest but fair pricing. Their app always tries to get me to buy new items.
Use ZigBee, Zwave and Matter
When it comes to streaming devices, nothing beats Apple TV in my opinion.
Outside the Apple TV app itself, the OS has very little ads. The only thing I dislike about it is the lack of Kodi + Google Drive plug in, but Infuse Pro works.
Shield is superior
From a media perspective, I am inclined to agree; however, like the article said, the experiences of these devices are getting worse for seemingly no reason. Personally, I'm inclined to believe NVIDIA may not make another device like the shield because of the focus on AI and chips. I'd imagine these devices make little profit compared to all the money being made with the current focus on AI.
I don't really like the lock downed experience of Apple's ecosystem, but the software updates make these devices, particular the Apple TV, better every year.
Jellyfin + Swiftfin have been quite solid in my experience when streaming to an Apple TV.
Just wanted to give a tip, from someone who is happy with his Fire Stick: hold down the home button, on the remote, for an ad-free app drawer thing.
I usually just hold the Home button and select the app I want. Works fine if not a minor inconvenience to do when launching the device.
Smart tech is good when it is limited. Soon as something must be connected to wifi to be accessible, It can become a chore. Read reviews and try to find good trustworthy products.
It was good when it wasn't ad-riddled.
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