The problem with 'smart' devices I think is something akin to a conflict of interest. On the one hand you're purchasing hardware, which you expect to own and c

The problem with 'smart' devices I think is something akin to a conflict of interest. On the one hand you're purchasing hardware, which you expect to own and control. On the other, there is software that runs on a subscription model which 'coincidentally' restricts the functionality of the hardware, because they want to stop people from bypassing the sub. The hardware effectively becomes useless if the subscription service becomes unavailable or is taken down (e.g. if the company is acquired and the new company doesn't want to support that stuff any more). It might still function mechanically, but it now has a broken appendage through no fault of your own. I just don't think I could justify a purchase like that nos unless I could square that circle. I'm not going to pay 2k for a Peloton bike that holds itself hostage unless I pay another 40 a month.