3 ms·

Even if it is usable without a manual, adjusting a timer switch hidden behind the couch using its LCD display and buttons is a lot less comfortable than using a

Even if it is usable without a manual, adjusting a timer switch hidden behind the couch using its LCD display and buttons is a lot less comfortable than using an app, if you do it frequently enough. There are things where IoT was added to make them appear more modern, and things where it actually makes sense. For the microwave, for example, I'd argue IoT would still be the wrong choice, because figuring out the magic buttons for setting the time twice a year is less work than dealing with the overhead of IoT (updating their app, managing the account when it breaks, etc.).

TeMPOraL 6y ago
I've operated a bunch of button-equipped microwaves in my life and while changing the clock is a nuisance (and arguably, neither the microwave nor the electric oven should have clocks in the first place!), it's a great interface for its day-to-day use, i.e. heating stuff up. The tactile and audio feedback, coupled with low modality and high reliability, means you can operate it without looking. On the microwaves I owned, I'd start keying in times with one hand while the other hand was still putting the food in, and closing the lid doors would coincide with me pressing <Start>. That's not an experience you can replicate with an app. Phones themselves aren't ergonomic enough, and even if they were, app creators generally don't know how to design ergonomic user interfaces.
- Talanes 6y ago
  >and arguably, neither the microwave nor the electric oven should have clocks in the first place! The microwave clock was the centerpiece of my childhood home. I legitimately don't think we had another way of telling time in the common areas.
  - TeMPOraL 6y ago
    The microwave was also the first digital clock we ever had in my childhood home, and was prominent in the kitchen. I do remember it fondly, but then again, we also had analog clocks around the house. It was a hassle to keep them all in sync ;). But the problem I now see is that a kitchen today can have half a dozen clocks in it now, because a lot of appliances ship with one.

TeMPOraL 6y ago

I've operated a bunch of button-equipped microwaves in my life and while changing the clock is a nuisance (and arguably, neither the microwave nor the electric oven should have clocks in the first place!), it's a great interface for its day-to-day use, i.e. heating stuff up. The tactile and audio feedback, coupled with low modality and high reliability, means you can operate it without looking. On the microwaves I owned, I'd start keying in times with one hand while the other hand was still putting the food in, and closing the lid doors would coincide with me pressing <Start>. That's not an experience you can replicate with an app. Phones themselves aren't ergonomic enough, and even if they were, app creators generally don't know how to design ergonomic user interfaces.

Talanes 6y ago
>and arguably, neither the microwave nor the electric oven should have clocks in the first place! The microwave clock was the centerpiece of my childhood home. I legitimately don't think we had another way of telling time in the common areas.
- TeMPOraL 6y ago
  The microwave was also the first digital clock we ever had in my childhood home, and was prominent in the kitchen. I do remember it fondly, but then again, we also had analog clocks around the house. It was a hassle to keep them all in sync ;). But the problem I now see is that a kitchen today can have half a dozen clocks in it now, because a lot of appliances ship with one.