Don'tcha' wish they'd just STOP 'Improving' things?

[bunyip]

WE HAVE a smart tv, I use it to watch fta shows from two networks when it suits me and that costs nothing.

 

[natedog75]

I use some smart home items. It’s nice when I turn off the alarm that certain lights automatically turn on. When I leave I don’t have to through the house flipping switches. When I arrive home certain lights are already on. Also my thermostat self adjust based on whether I’m home or not, what room I am in and based on weather conditions. My light bill was cut almost in half after replacing the thermostat and converting to LED bulbs. My door also unlocks automatically for me when I arrive and locks when I leave.

Now one could make a point about security but with a lock pick you could enter a home much easier than hacking into software. Convince and security are on opposite ends of the spectrum. If I want to go to all the trouble to secure my “valuables” I could spend thousands of dollars to do so. Just the same as spending thousands on convince.

If you have to pull out your smart phone and open an app o turn you lights on your not doing smart home right. The smart switches I use still function as regular switches and dimmers even when not connected to the internet. The smart bulbs I use still work like regular bulbs with no connection. My door still locks and unlocks with a key. Redundancy is key.

 

[Dftodd]

I use some smart home items. It’s nice when I turn off the alarm that certain lights automatically turn on. When I leave I don’t have to through the house flipping switches. When I arrive home certain lights are already on. Also my thermostat self adjust based on whether I’m home or not, what room I am in and based on weather conditions. My light bill was cut almost in half after replacing the thermostat and converting to LED bulbs. My door also unlocks automatically for me when I arrive and locks when I leave.

Now one could make a point about security but with a lock pick you could enter a home much easier than hacking into software. Convince and security are on opposite ends of the spectrum. If I want to go to all the trouble to secure my “valuables” I could spend thousands of dollars to do so. Just the same as spending thousands on convince.

If you have to pull out your smart phone and open an app o turn you lights on your not doing smart home right. The smart switches I use still function as regular switches and dimmers even when not connected to the internet. The smart bulbs I use still work like regular bulbs with no connection. My door still locks and unlocks with a key. Redundancy is key.

Gun safes have come down in cost. A small one is under $200. Plenty big enough for our few guns, grandmas pearls, and a few other valuables that are irreplaceable. Bolted to the slab in the back of a closet. So it will stay with the house if we decide to sell.

I would be upset if someone ran off with the TV or electronics. But the items can be replaced easy enough. Wifes pictures are in albums on Facebook so it wouldn't be the end of the world if her laptop disappeared.

If someone feels the need to run off with my ratty jeans and flannel shirts...... well guess they needed them more then I did. Wife keeps after me to update my wardrobe anyway

Now I would be looking for blood if someone ran off with my ratty old recliner thats finally broken in, in the right places.

Now someone would have to get past the German Shepherds warning bark to come into the house. Not many people are that foolish to break into a house with a large dog present.

 

[JethroB]

I found my perfect recliner years ago. I went to replace it after I wore it out. Lazyboy says, oh we dont make that model # any more, heres the new improved model...nope :thumbdown:

 

[ovrszd]

I use some smart home items. It’s nice when I turn off the alarm that certain lights automatically turn on. When I leave I don’t have to through the house flipping switches. When I arrive home certain lights are already on. Also my thermostat self adjust based on whether I’m home or not, what room I am in and based on weather conditions. My light bill was cut almost in half after replacing the thermostat and converting to LED bulbs. My door also unlocks automatically for me when I arrive and locks when I leave.

Now one could make a point about security but with a lock pick you could enter a home much easier than hacking into software. Convince and security are on opposite ends of the spectrum. If I want to go to all the trouble to secure my “valuables” I could spend thousands of dollars to do so. Just the same as spending thousands on convince.

If you have to pull out your smart phone and open an app o turn you lights on your not doing smart home right. The smart switches I use still function as regular switches and dimmers even when not connected to the internet. The smart bulbs I use still work like regular bulbs with no connection. My door still locks and unlocks with a key. Redundancy is key.

Can you explain how your system knows whether you are home or not? Thanks!!!

 

[two_bit_score]

I found my perfect recliner years ago. I went to replace it after I wore it out. Lazyboy says, oh we dont make that model # any more, heres the new improved model...nope :thumbdown:

I'm beginning to consider getting two of whatever I really like and trying to save one for later just because it's almost impossible to find a replacement of anything after a few years. Sometimes only one season.

 

[ovrszd]

I don't have much faith in "new and improved". I think that translates to a cheaper method of production that increases profits.

 

[two_bit_score]

^^^^^^^ Almost always true. Unless the improvements are to actually beat a competitor product or service the newer version is strictly to the benefit of the producer.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Years ago as an electronic technician I used a signature I thought of "Today's new and improved is tomorrow's junk".
It's crazy how manufacturers do improve on things until they have something really good...then it's gone. Things like the GM turbo 400 trans, Ford 9" rear, all (AMC, Chevy, Chrysler, Ford) last in line 6's would last forever. (Few examples).

 

[Jstpssng]

Years ago as an electronic technician I used a signature I thought of "Today's new and improved is tomorrow's junk".
It's crazy how manufacturers do improve on things until they have something really good...then it's gone. Things like the GM turbo 400 trans, Ford 9" rear, all (AMC, Chevy, Chrysler, Ford) last in line 6's would last forever. (Few examples).

Those last were forced out by environmental laws. I have mixed feelings, yet have seen the results of air pollution first hand, as everything the country spews into the air exits into the Atlantic here.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Those last were forced out by environmental laws. I have mixed feelings, yet have seen the results of air pollution first hand, as everything the country spews into the air exits into the Atlantic here.

It doesn't make sense though since around here all the time we see new diesel pickups belching out smoke but my '93 F150, 215K miles, 300cu in 6 the tailpipe is tan...doesn't use any oil between changes.
Environmental laws are important, but to be effective would have to be enforced worldwide.

 

[Jstpssng]

It doesn't make sense though since around here all the time we see new diesel pickups belching out smoke but my '93 F150, 215K miles, 300cu in 6 the tailpipe is tan...doesn't use any oil between changes.
Environmental laws are important, but to be effective would have to be enforced worldwide.

Agree on both points. But if I was going to continue this discussion though, I'd also be wondering why those Harleys are able to run such loud pipes.
The real truth is that we are the dominant species on the planet; we are bound to have an impact on it.


It would be interesting to know the difference between your 28 YO truck which probably doesn't see a lot of miles per year; vs scrapping it and replacing it with a new "Zero emissions" truck.
Remember the "cash for clunkers" program?

 

[natedog75]

Can you explain how your system knows whether you are home or not? Thanks!!!

There are a couple of different ways. The lock detects my phone via Bluetooth and WiFi. So you have to be close for it to unlock. It detects when you leave and will unlock when you return as to not be unlocking just walking around the house.

The lights work off of Alexa via phone location. When I get within a certain radius from my house it triggers and event which I have setup to do certain things.

I use a combo of Alexa, SmartThings, IFTT, and ZWave.

Is it the most secure probably not but if someone wants to go to all the trouble to hack into these systems or find a back door and exploit it. They would probably break in the conventional way too.

As for a safe I don’t have any “valuables” to go in a gun safe.

 

[Oaktree]

Remember the "cash for clunkers" program?

Yeah, the government program that used American's tax dollars to subsidize those who bought a Japanese car.:fiery:

 

[Industrial Toys]

And probably destroyed untold amounts of good salvageable components. How about the merits of REUSE?

 

[two_bit_score]

Yeah, the government program that used American's tax dollars to subsidize those who bought a Japanese car.:fiery:

Brought to you by Big Mike and the Big "O".

 

[orezok]

And probably destroyed untold amounts of good salvageable components. How about the merits of REUSE?

After the engines were totaled they went to scrap yards to be crushed. I bet a lot of parts never made it into the crusher.

 

[Egon]

I like the process of new innovations!

 

[k0ua]

I dunno... I kinda like the new pop top cans that vegetables come in now, (not Van Camps pork and beans for some reason) I find the new cans quick and convenient. So there is a "new and improved thing", that I really like.

 

[Alien]

I just had a yarn to the local Betta Electrical bloke. I was eyeing off the fridges. He came clean and said you are lucky if you get 7 years out of a fridge now and 3 years out of a washing machine... Whaaa?
My fridge is 20 years and still going strong and my Washer is about 7 years now. Crossing fingers.
What was that about improving things?