http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5316 Independent Tech News and Product Reviews from former VP and head of CNET.com and Longtime Computer Shopper Columnist, Alice Hill author of the popular "Hard Edge" column. Originally named AliceandBill.com. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:21:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5316#comment-496157 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:33:22 +0000 http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/5316#comment-496157 Another cash cow for Microsoft. Only somebody with too much money would want to add that kind of complexity to their lives. Complexity you ask? YES, when the stuff starts breaking down or needs one of Microsoft's expensive upgrades. IMO, the whole "smart house" idea is a solution in search of a problem. A house is to be lived in, not talked to. And sometimes when I go into a room, I DON'T want the light to come on. Sometimes I DON'T want the heat on, etc. etc. There is no way for a "smart house" to anticipate that kind of thing automatically. Another cash cow for Microsoft. Only somebody with too much money would want to add that kind of complexity to their lives. Complexity you ask? YES, when the stuff starts breaking down or needs one of Microsoft’s expensive upgrades. IMO, the whole “smart house” idea is a solution in search of a problem. A house is to be lived in, not talked to. And sometimes when I go into a room, I DON’T want the light to come on. Sometimes I DON’T want the heat on, etc. etc. There is no way for a “smart house” to anticipate that kind of thing automatically.

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