Nerd and Normal | Answering Your Technology Questions

Smart Homes, Wearables, AR Glasses, Smart Meters and EV Charges

Matthew and Gareth discussed the challenges of smart homes, including the complexity of setting up devices with different manufacturers and Wi-Fi settings. Matthew shared an experience of helping a customer with a completely smart home that was more complex than the owners could manage. They explored issues like the lack of instruction manuals, the reliance on Wi-Fi, and the potential for smart homes to become "dumb" during power outages. The conversation also touched on the need for multiple apps to control different aspects of a smart home and the limitations of unified smart home systems like Google Home.

Google Home Radio Playback Issues Matthew explained that Google Home devices have been experiencing issues with radio playback, where the system would stop working for a month before being partially fixed but now only plays for 30 minutes. He attributed this to Google's automated testing process, which relies on virtual computers rather than real-world testing, leading to untested updates that cause problems. Matthew emphasized that while smart home technology can be useful, he personally only has one smart device - a Kmart light globe - and advised that health-related wearables should always be discussed with a doctor before purchase, as medical software systems like Best Practice and Praxoft cannot directly use data from many wearables.

AR Glasses Capabilities and Concerns Matthew explained the capabilities of AR glasses, including their ability to display information in the user's field of view and record real-time video. He noted concerns about recording people without their knowledge and the potential for distraction while using the glasses. Gareth inquired about the glasses' ability to correct vision and their availability and cost in Australia. Matthew clarified that while some AR glasses can accommodate prescription lenses, they are not yet AI-enabled to automatically adjust for vision changes. He also mentioned that AR glasses are currently expensive but have a niche market of early adopters.

EVs, Smart Meters, and Charging Matthew and Gareth discussed smart meters, EV chargers, and electric vehicles. Matthew expressed skepticism about smart meters, citing potential cost increases and power company control. They explored the technical requirements and costs of EV chargers, with Matthew emphasizing the importance of charge speed. Matthew shared his preference for hybrid over fully electric vehicles due to range anxiety and charging convenience. Gareth mentioned Rolls-Royce's new electric car, which Matthew found unappealing due to its high price and charging limitations.