Tag: smarthomes

Norbert Hoeller, a smart person I know, is blogging. You should read what he has to say.

I’ve often encouraged smart people I know to blog about what they know. Often they tell me stuff and I think: everyone should have the privilege I have to hear this.

So I was delighted that my dear old friend and former colleague at IBM, Norbert Hoeller, is now doing just that! For example, if you heard about how the province of Ontario will give you cash for the privilege of turning down your AC, then you owe it to yourself to read Norbert’s experience with that. His post has that clear explanation and attention to detail I come to expect from him. Like me, you’ll be wiser and better off after reading what he has to say.

Already he’s touching on different topics, like how to keep your Ikea products looking good. I hope he keeps it up. Meanwhile, add his blog to the things smart people I know (i.e., you) read.

What happens when you fill your house with smart devices?

Just how bad is it to have your house filled with smart devices? Kash Hill attempted to find out by connecting many of them up in her house and then track all the data that they sent out. The results are fascinating. Some of them send the data out in the clear, which is terrible. But even the ones that encrypt your data and leaking things about you via metadata.

Essentially whatever value smart devices provide — and some of that value is doubtful — they are monitoring equipment that you set up yourself. Just how much they monitor can be seen here in her study: The House That Spied on Me.

It’s a great read, and for some, it will be a great revelation.

Image via Home Depot’s web site.