Unlikely Items That Are Now WI-FI Enabled

Brent Osborn • July 19, 2019

Have you noticed that just about everything these days has become "smart" or "connected"? While recently shopping for home appliances I began to get nervous when I noticed that I had become inundated with advertisements for smart refrigerators. What made a fridge "smart"? Did I need one? What could a "smart" fridge do for me? After doing a little research, I ultimately decided the old fashioned one that simply kept my food and drink cool or frozen. You know, the one that does not need to scan my milk jug and ping me on my iPhone when I need to add a gallon of skim to my grocery list. Having to decide between "smart" and not "smart" caused me to think about what other products had become connected or WIFI enabled over the years that perhaps did not need to be.

Here are my favorite unlikely items that now can be found in the Internet of Things (Iot) category:


1) Smart Toaster

Regular toasting of bread products needed an overhaul. Gone are the days where I'll step away from my toaster leaving myself to wonder when my 9-grain toast will pop up. Smart toasters hit the scene to offer users personalized settings based on type of product you were toasting and your desired doneness along with push notifications to your phone to make sure you knew that toaster strudel had finished and is ready for you to retrieve. Not once have I ever desired such features, nor thought my $9 toaster from BigLots was not cutting it. This gadget becoming Wi-Fi enabled seems a bit much.

2) Connected Hairbrush

The makers of this brush have identified a gap in hair care- people need more data and to have more personalized recommendations with key insights to help them keep their hair looking flawless. As someone with short hair, it is hard to imagine the need for a device that's packed with a microphone, 3-axis load cells, an accelerometer, gyroscope, and more to figure out whether or not my hair is healthy. Can't I just look in the mirror? Nevertheless, this product actually won a CES innovation award.


3) Smart Decanter

I have a hard time discerning the difference between most $20 and $200 bottles of wine. If you are someone who loves wine and has a need for a digital sommelier to help you find ideal pairings and can only wait just a few seconds or minutes for decanting, perhaps you should consider this product. The touch button display helps you decant, filter, and enjoy your wine. Through its mobile app you can also connect to find tips and tricks for getting the most out of your wine and spirits.


Final Thoughts...

It is hard to remember the time where having Wi-Fi was not an expectation. In a few years it may be an expectation that everything can connect to WiFi. But, it makes me question how many of these things are truly necessary and which ones happened just because they simply could be done. For now, I'll stick to the old fashioned way of toasting my bread, brushing my hair, and enjoying a glass of wine; all without the help of an app or WiFi connectivity.



By VectorOne April 2, 2025
For many businesses, spreadsheets are the go-to solution for organizing data, managing workflows, and tracking progress. However, as companies grow, spreadsheets can become cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient. Manual data entry, version control issues, and lack of real-time collaboration can slow down operations and lead to costly mistakes. The solution? Transitioning from spreadsheets to digital automation.
By VectorOne March 4, 2025
We recently had some conversations with people in different levels about software changes in their organization. What we heard was...where do we start this conversation? As a business leader, you recognize that technology plays a vital role in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. However, convincing decision-makers to invest in new or upgraded software can be challenging. To get the conversation started, here are some key discussion points that highlight the need for change and the benefits of a tailored solution.
By VectorOne September 5, 2024
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. Companies rely on a variety of systems to manage different aspects of their operations, from customer relationship management (CRM) tools to accounting software, inventory management, and more. However, a common challenge many organizations face is ensuring these systems communicate effectively with one another. When systems operate in silos, it can lead to inefficiencies, such as double data entry, errors, and lost productivity. This is where the importance of finding the right tech solutions for seamless system communication comes into play.
By VectorOne July 25, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the roles of professionals often blur and intertwine, leading to innovative approaches in project management. One such emerging trend is the shift from traditional project managers to designers taking the lead in projects. This shift offers a multitude of positive impacts, transforming the way projects are conceptualized, developed, and executed.
By VectorOne July 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the success and efficiency of companies. However, with rapid technological advancements come significant challenges that companies must navigate. Here are the five biggest technology challenges companies face today and how partnering with a software development company can provide much-needed solutions.
By VectorOne June 10, 2024
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions. Adopting a CRM can offer numerous advantages, from improving customer service to driving sales and fostering collaboration within your team. Let's delve into the pros of using a CRM and explore how to choose the right one for your business needs. We'll also discuss the value of custom solutions when off-the-shelf options fall short.
By VectorOne May 31, 2024
In today's fast-paced digital world, software applications are at the heart of virtually every business operation and personal activity. From managing finances to communicating with teams across the globe, the importance of reliable and efficient software cannot be overstated. However, a significant challenge that persists across the software landscape is the lack of solid user interfaces (UI). This issue is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can lead to decreased productivity, frustrated users, and ultimately, the failure of otherwise promising applications.
Show More