The Smart Device Revolution Has Gone Too Far
Smartphones? Useful. Smart TVs? Makes sense. Smart fridges? Questionable. But what about smart toasters, Bluetooth-enabled water bottles, and Wi-Fi-connected litter trays? It seems like every household appliance now needs an app, a cloud subscription, and the ability to send you push notifications at 3 AM. Have we gone too far?
Let’s take a look at some of the most unnecessary smart devices ever made, and a few ridiculous ideas that might just become real if we’re not careful.
1. Smart Washing Machines – Because Pressing a Button Was Too Hard
Remember when you just put your clothes in the washing machine, turned a dial, and came back later to clean laundry? Well, not anymore. Now, you can control your washing machine from your phone, receive detergent usage reports, and get an alert when your spin cycle finishes (because listening for the beep was too much effort).
Next step? AI-powered fabric analysis that texts you when it disapproves of your outfit choices.
2. Smart Fridges – The Appliance That Judges Your Diet
Imagine opening your fridge only to have it remind you that you’re out of milk, suggest a new recipe, and then recommend a gym membership based on how many ice creams it detected this week. Some even have built-in cameras so you can check what’s inside while you’re at the supermarket—because apparently, opening the fridge before leaving the house is too much work.
Future updates may include sending your grocery list directly to your mother-in-law so she can remind you to eat healthier.
3. Smart Toasters – Because Regular Toast Wasn’t Complicated Enough
Did you know you can now buy a Wi-Fi-enabled toaster? Yes, a toaster that connects to your phone, lets you control the crispiness level, and even sends you a notification when your bread is toasted to perfection. Meanwhile, some of us are still flipping toast halfway through because we don’t trust our 10-year-old toaster to do its job.
Next up: a toaster that refuses to function until you’ve tweeted about your breakfast.
4. Smart Forks – Because You’re Eating Too Fast
Yes, there are smart forks that vibrate if you eat too quickly. They sync with an app, track your eating habits, and scold you for not chewing enough. Because nothing improves a meal like being judged by your own cutlery.
Future versions will probably start zapping you if you reach for a second slice of cake.
5. Smart Litter Trays – The Ultimate Power Move from Cats
Cats already act like they own the house, and now, thanks to smart litter trays, they can have real-time data on their… toilet habits. These devices send you notifications when your cat has done its business, because apparently, we weren’t paying enough attention before.
Some even provide "insights" into your cat’s digestive health. What’s next, a smartwatch for pets that tracks their naps?
Ridiculous Smart Devices That Could Happen Next
Since companies love making smart versions of everyday items, here are some future inventions that sadly, might actually happen:
- Smart Socks: Sends an alert if they don’t match and refuses to let you leave the house in them.
- Wi-Fi Toilet Paper: Automatically reorders itself and sends "usage insights" to your health tracking app.
- Smart Shower: Plays motivational quotes while tracking how long you spend singing.
- AI-Powered Kettle: Refuses to boil water if it senses you’ve already had three cups of coffee today.
- Connected Dustbin: Sorts your recycling and tells you off for throwing things in the wrong bin.
Sell Your Old Phone for the Best Price
If you’d rather upgrade to a useful smart device instead of a Bluetooth-enabled spoon, selling your old phone can help. Using a sell phone comparison tool allows you to compare trade-in offers and get the best deal.
If you're selling an iPhone, check out sell my iPhone for dedicated trade-in options.
Not every device needs to be "smart." While some technology genuinely makes life easier, others just add complications where none were needed. If you’re looking for an upgrade that actually improves your daily routine, don’t forget to sell your phone first to get the best trade-in price.