The Internet of "way too many" Things
This New York Times piece questions the utility of IoT in its proposed form, arguing that the notion of one device for each function is inefficient and that today's IoT is not solving issues that people actually face; it should aim for "domestic pain points". IoT needs to become truly consumer-focused to gain widespread adoption, it currently seems to merely benefit the manufacturers who are gleaning and reselling unprecedented volumes of user data from IoT devices. &nbsp;
Like you, I once had many products that each fulfilled a separate function: a landline, a cellphone, a camera, a video recorder, a stereo, a calendar. Now, I have one product that does all of those things — a smartphone. This level of product integration was a revolution in product design. We can debate the extent to which technology does or doesn’t improve our lives, but it is fair to say that in terms of usability, convenience and sustainability, one product doing the work of five or six is a win.

Not, however, if you’re in the business of selling stereos or cameras. Or monetizing the data obtained from their use.

A veritable museum of Leeo-ish products is currently on display in San Francisco at Target’s Open House, a new store designed to attract folks before they head to the multiplex upstairs — but more specifically, to give Target a piece of the plethora of disruptive innovation happening in the Bay Area by helping start-ups bring their products to market.

What the products on display have in common is that they don’t solve problems people actually have. Technology is integrated not because it is necessary, but because the technology exists to integrate it — and because it will enable companies to sell you stuff you never knew you were missing.

Among the items at Open House:

Whistle, $99. This attaches to your pet’s collar and allows you to set a daily activity goal customized to your dog’s age, breed and weight — and then share that information with other pet owners via social media.