Why the Smart Home Isn't Really a Product | The Vergecast

The smart home isn't a product — that's the argument at the heart of this Vergecast segment, which pushes back on the idea that connected devices can be reduced to a single purchase or platform. The discussion digs into what it actually takes to build a home full of automations that work the way you want them to. The host offers a candid, personal take on the reality of smart home tinkering, admitting that yes, all the automations should really be in Home Assistant — but that pesky children who won't leave him alone for a full weekend make that easier said than done. It's a grounded look at the gap between the ideal smart home setup and the one most people actually end up living with. The segment is part of The Vergecast, The Verge's flagship technology podcast, which is available on YouTube and via its podcast feed. Links are included to follow The Verge on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and to check out Decoder with Nilay Patel and the network's other podcasts.