Are Smart Appliances a Really Dumb Idea?

I don't envy appliance companies. Designers and marketers have a tough job, constantly trying to innovate new fridges, dishwashers and ovens --anticipating which features consumers will actually use and love, all without getting gimmicky or too niche. Because the current trend involves connecting to other smart devices like Alexa and iPhones, they now must also keep the technological horizon firmly in mind. Unless you're the second coming of Steve Jobs, it's hard to know what features will stick...