I think that the low-end market for rice cookers is already dominated by the primitive on/off models. I doubt a smart model can compete on price with a thermal

I think that the low-end market for rice cookers is already dominated by the primitive on/off models. I doubt a smart model can compete on price with a thermal switch. I'd disagree with the OP that a $50 smart rice cooker is a luxury. These models also serve as slow cookers, vegetable steamers, etc. so they are quite a value in money and space compared with buying each appliance individually. If you don't have a proper kitchen you can do most of what you need in one.