TL;DR
After repeated failures and reliance on remote servers, the author argues for a return to simple, repairable, local-first gadgets. He highlights outages, vendor abandonments, and rising subscription features as reasons to prefer single-purpose, fixable devices and calm software.
What happened
The author recounts a morning standoff with a smart thermostat that refused to heat the house because it was offline and dependent on a distant server. That incident is presented as a tipping point after a year of smart-device failures: an AWS US-EAST-1 outage reportedly left some networked beds unable to control temperature; iRobot’s bankruptcy raised questions about the future of robot vacuums; and Google ended support for certain older Nest thermostats. Those examples feed a critique that many connected products now prioritize feature stacks, cloud services and monetized extras over dependable core functionality. The piece calls for a deliberate shift toward simpler hardware that does one job well, stores and processes data locally, is easy to repair, and uses calmer interfaces that do not maximize screen time or rely on subscription gates for basic capabilities.
Why it matters
- Devices that depend on remote servers can fail en masse when infrastructure or vendor support disappears.
- Subscription-locked features shift the buyer relationship from ownership to a license model, limiting long-term utility.
- Repairable, local-first hardware protects privacy and longevity and reduces electronic waste.
- Calm, single-purpose software reduces distraction and avoids attention-maximizing, addictive design patterns.
Key facts
- The author experienced a smart-thermostat failure when the device reported being offline and would not perform heating.
- An AWS US-EAST-1 outage in October 2025 reportedly affected some temperature-controlled products, with users unable to change settings because control lived on remote servers.
- iRobot’s bankruptcy left owners of expensive robot vacuums uncertain about device support and future functionality.
- Google ended support for certain older Nest thermostats, illustrating vendor-driven obsolescence.
- Carmakers have introduced pay-for features: BMW offered subscriptions for heated seats, and Mercedes-Benz has sold an acceleration increase as a paid unlock.
- The author argues modern gadgets often try to do many things poorly instead of one thing well, with unnecessary AI layers added.
- The EU is cited as pushing for stronger Right to Repair measures to improve device fixability and longevity.
- The preferred device characteristics promoted are single-purpose design, local-first operation, high repairability, and calm interfaces (e.g., e-ink or no screen).
What to watch next
- Implementation and enforcement of Right to Repair rules in the EU and elsewhere and whether that yields more repairable consumer devices.
- Whether the industry expands subscription-locked features into more categories (not confirmed in the source).
- Consumer adoption rates for local-first, single-purpose devices and calm tech interfaces (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Local-first: A design approach where data storage and processing happen on the device or within the home network rather than relying on remote servers.
- Right to Repair: Legal and policy efforts that require manufacturers to make spare parts, tools, and repair information available so consumers or third parties can fix products.
- Calm tech: Technology designed to minimize attention demand and distraction, often using subdued interfaces and fewer notifications.
- Subscription-locked feature: A product capability that is technically present in hardware but requires a paid subscription to activate or use.
- Single-purpose device: A gadget built to perform one primary function well, rather than a wide range of features.
Reader FAQ
What does the author mean by 'dumb tech'?
Devices that focus on a single task, operate locally, are repairable, and avoid attention-grabbing interfaces.
Is the author against all AI in devices?
No — the author says they're not opposed to AI generally but objects to unnecessary AI features like frivolous calorie counters.
Which real-world failures motivated this argument?
The piece cites a smart-thermostat outage, the October 2025 AWS US-EAST-1 incident affecting networked beds, iRobot’s bankruptcy, and discontinued Nest support.
Are all manufacturers moving to subscription models?
The article gives specific car-industry examples but does not claim every manufacturer will adopt subscriptions (not confirmed in the source).
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Sources
- I'm actively hunting for dumb tech in 2026 (and you should too)
- In 2026, I want my gadgets to stop multitasking – Stuff
- 10 Predictions for Life in 2026
- How To Instantly Dumb Down Your Smartphone for a …
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