I Don't Want A Talking Refrigerator

[cali]

I just want one that silently keeps my food cold with an accurate thermostat.

I don't want a self driving car, or a car that can be hacked or tracked.

I don't want a home that I can "control" from the cell phone I don't own- or the Ipad I do.

It's not because I've done anything wrong or illegal or because I fear being interred in some mythical camp for dissidents- dog knows, if it came to that, I've posted enough on social media to damn me anyway. Not that I believe it will come to that.

It's because it offends me, for reasons great and small.

Maybe I'm a bit of a neo-luddite or just get-off-my-lawn ornery. But so much of emerging technology seems like nothing but frippery; bells and whistles galore and that's about it. There is, of course, technology that advances medical treatment, helps with environmental degradation, etc, but what does a talking refrigerator have to do with that?

A self-driving car? No thank you. I prefer to be in control, not to have control taken from me.

Take a Guided Tour Through Samsung Talking Fridge
http://www.psfk.com/2014/10/samsung-talking-fridge-features-tour.html

Ford CEO: Autonomous vehicles will transform industry
http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2016/08/17/ford-ceo-autonomous-vehicles-transform-industry/88867946/

In 1909, EM Forster published a prescient sci-fi short story called The Machine Stops. I read it when I was in my early twenties and it made an impression on me, though I can't say I foresaw the technological revolution's explosion into our current reality.


THE MACHINE STOPS

by E.M. Forster (1909)

THE AIR-SHIP


Imagine, if you can, a small room, hexagonal in shape, like the cell of a bee. It is lighted neither by window nor by lamp, yet it is filled with a soft radiance. There are no apertures for ventilation, yet the air is fresh. There are no musical instruments, and yet, at the moment that my meditation opens, this room is throbbing with melodious sounds. An armchair is in the centre, by its side a reading-desk-that is all the furniture. And in the armchair there sits a swaddled lump of flesh-a woman, about five feet high, with a face as white as a fungus. It is to her that the little room belongs.

An electric bell rang.

The woman touched a switch and the music was silent.

"I suppose I must see who it is", she thought, and set her chair in motion. The chair, like the music, was worked by machinery and it rolled her to the other side of the room where the bell still rang importunately.

"Who is it?" she called. Her voice was irritable, for she had been interrupted often since the music began. She knew several thousand people, in certain directions human intercourse had advanced enormously.

But when she listened into the receiver, her white face wrinkled into smiles, and she said:

"Very well. Let us talk, I will isolate myself. I do not expect anything important will happen for the next five minutes-for I can give you fully five minutes, Kuno. Then I must deliver my lecture on “Music during the Australian Period”."

She touched the isolation knob, so that no one else could speak to her. Then she touched the lighting apparatus, and the little room was plunged into darkness.

"Be quick!" She called, her irritation returning. "Be quick, Kuno; here I am in the dark wasting my time."

But it was fully fifteen seconds before the round plate that she held in her hands began to glow. A faint blue light shot across it, darkening to purple, and presently she could see the image of her son, who lived on the other side of the earth, and he could see her.

"Kuno, how slow you are."

<snip>

http://archive.ncsa.illinois.edu/prajlich/forster.html

[Sherman A1]

1. But, but

the fridge might have something important to say....

[cali]

4. Oh dear. I can't stop laughing.

Perhaps it could recite poetry to me as I get the milk out of its brilliant body.

[pinboy3niner]

6. I can't help but picture Señor Wences and his friends

[Warren DeMontague]

27. S'okay

'SAwright

[Sherman A1]

14. One would hope

after all fridges might have feelings too....

[pinboy3niner]

16. But they have a rep for being pretty cold

[cali]

24. c'mon. you know it's coming. The fridge that scolds you for not

throwing out that rotting bunch of beets.

[pinboy3niner]

25. I'd LOVE that!

Everybody knows how easy it is to forget about that stuff in the back.

[pinboy3niner]

30. "Jusr do not put in me green eggs and ham

I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.

And that goes for you, too, Cali!"

[KittyWampus]

47. "Dave, you're out of mayonnaise".

[ErikJ]

81. lol. Or, "I'm sorry Dave, U know I cant let u in.

Youre still 5 pounds overweight"

[exboyfil]

52. 2001

Dave Bowman: Open the pod bay doors, HAL.

HAL: I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.

Dave Bowman: What's the problem?

HAL: I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do.

Great for weight control.

[forgotmylogin]

65. I got a car with remote start.

And I love it because the car can cool down or warm up and unlock the trunk before I get to it. Now I just want a key fob that can unlock my front door before I approach with an armload of groceries. I'd be happy with that.

[yeoman6987]

78. A front door that auto opens or opens with button when you have groceries would be incredible!

I never thought of that. That a brilliant need!

[Mendocino]

85. The fridge says

"chill out man"

[pinboy3niner]

2. I don't understand why you're posting here when you could be out catchng Pikachu

[MowCowWhoHow III]

3. Then don't buy one

People so inclined can still buy typewriters.

[pinboy3niner]

9. And miss the chance that the fridge is a better converstionalist than all of your friends?

The odds on that are probably quite high.

[MowCowWhoHow III]

11. That's one possible future

[jcboon]

12. I was hoping someone would post that

[True Dough]

35. Typewriters don't keep food cold

A typewriter, as simplistic as it may be, is no substitute for a refrigerator!

[Cicada]

5. Like Miles in invasion of body snatches you're just afraid of change

The seed pods really had the better of the argument if you think about it rationally. So too talking refrigerators. Do not be afraid. Mind meld with Sarah Palin. Embrace New Coke.

[liberal N proud]

7. I will take the self driving car, thank you very much.

I love to get behind the wheel and head out on long road trips and be one with the road. I am not a very good conversationalist when I am behind the wheel because I am driving my car while anticipating how everyone around me is or is not driving theirs.

But here is the deal, I am going to get old (almost there now). When I get to the point where driving is dangerous for me, the self driving car will keep me living at home, more independent for a much longer period of time. When I need to go to the doctor, just press the button and off we will go. Then it will be straight for the drug store and then the liquor store (don't have to worry about drunk driving). Then back home.

And those cross country trips, maybe I can talk to my wife a little more.

Bring on the technology! I am a techno-geek.

[Warren DeMontague]

28. Yep, me too.

I'm all over that stuff.

[KittyWampus]

48. OR- American could invest in better public transportation rather than every individual atom

needing it's own vehicle clogging roadways and using energy.

In many towns in the USA there is transportation for the elderly and disabled to take them to doctors, stores etc.

[liberal N proud]

51. Public transportation is reasonable in the urban areas

Not so much in rural areas.

Live in small town America and you will be walking a long way to the nearest bus, train or any other form of public transport.

And will that old peoples bus take me to see my grand kids?

I will embrace the technology for a little freedom.

[ismnotwasm]

64. Hell yes

I hate driving. Would love a car that went from A-B. I love many of the the new technology ideas coming out--I'm sure that talking refrigerator will have a "shut up" feature anyway.

[elleng]

8. WITH YOU,cali!

and stuff we don't need, taking the place of worthy work, useful room, and thoughtfulness!

[Adrahil]

10. Ummm... Don't buy one? NT

[pinboy3niner]

13. No escape

Late at night while you're sleepin'
Talking fridges come a-creepin arou-ou-ou-ou-ound.

[Adrahil]

18. Ha! :) NT

[thucythucy]

15. A self driving car would be great for people with disabilities

who can't drive on their own, and don't live anywhere near accessible, affordable mass transit. Also good for older people who, once they have to stop driving, become virtual prisoners in their own homes.

Since we've built our entire society around cars, it would be nice if cars were accessible to everyone.

[Adrahil]

20. Or older people who can otherwise be independent NT

[GoCubsGo]

90. Yes. This.

I live in a town of about 25,000. My town is full of retirees. Many of them have no business behind the wheel of a car. A decent public transportation system is not in the cards, as this is a very "red" state, and they can't even agree on how to pay for the $2 billion in repairs on the roads they have neglected for decades, let alone a useful public transportation system. I would much rather share the road with a driverless car, than with these people who are no longer fit to drive.

[KittyWampus]

49. Or more and better mass transit would work. But American people fetishize their own individuality

along with their cars.

[Codeine]

59. "Fetishize their own individuality"

The horror.

[EX500rider]

84. Exactly....we should become one with the Borg...!

Join the Collective! Resistance is futile!

[thucythucy]

70. Personally I would prefer the mqss transit option,

as long as it's accessible to people with disabilities.

[metalbot]

95. Best of both worlds

Self driving mass transit.

[Odin2005]

87. How dare we like out individuality!

[loyalsister]

97. Also, the refrigerator might be useful for blind people

The IPAD and smart phone that turns of the lights, adjusts the thermostat, etc would be very useful for someone whose mobility is limited and on and on.

[Vinca]

17. Here's one more thing to add to the list.

I would like to buy an electric range without electronics. Last December I shelled out $200 to replace the nonfunctioning key pad and guess what happened yesterday? Half the key pad isn't working again. This isn't a cheap appliance, either. I'm seriously pissed.

[GulfCoast66]

33. Or a gas stove

With a pilot light or something similar. It seems crazy to me that if we have a power outage my gas stove will not operate.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

72. Keep a box of matches handy. That's your pilot light.

[hunter]

54. Yeah, the computer in our clothes dryer failed.

For the price of the replacement computer I could have bought a used non-computerized dryer at the Salvation Army.

[pinboy3niner]

19. Just what I need, my fridge nagging me...

"You said you were going to buy more eggs yesterday but I still don't see any eggs in here! When are you going to get off your ass and get me some eggs? Huh? Huh?"

[duncang]

21. I'm mixed on it

Some of the things I can see that I would like in the future. Just not right now. I really don't need a smart fridge. It doesn't know what meals I am going to plan and what I need for them. I don't need a smart thermostat. I'm retired so I don't need one that keeps moving the temperature around during the day. We go away it's simple enough to just lower the setting while we are gone for a day or two. Why spend twice as much or more for one? As to smart cars nope not yet for me. If I were to get out on the freeway and have a car that runs at the speed limit I'd be run over. Or everybody would be honking their horns and giving me one finger salutes. Maybe in the future when everyone has it and the roads are set up for smart cars. For once on those long trips I could relax and see the scenery when the passengers say "Wow, did you see that?" .

[Warren DeMontague]

22. Sorry, not feeling the outrage, or offense as it were.

I couldn't fathom the value in being able to turn on my thermostat from my cell phone before I was able to, but let me tell you, it's awesome.

Sure, a talking fridge sounds ridiculous, but to be fair the one in the video is a demo model, explaining the features of the actual fridge. The talking is not a feature designed for consumers.


Now, a swearing fridge might be fun.

[True Dough]

38. Maybe a talking fridge

could prevent incidents that lead to these sorts of notes!

[Codeine]

60. "Put the fucking ranch dressing back, asshole.

Balsamic vinaigrette is on the second shelf next to the mustard. You're welcome, you primitive fuck."

[sammythecat]

68. Now THAT, I think I might like

A refrigerator that was a total asshole. Despite it's shitty personality and constant abusive insults, I'd still be in charge (close the door - pull the plug). Whenever I was feeling angry and frustrated, I could just pick a fight with this hateful prick in the kitchen and release a lot of those bad feelings. I like it. I want one.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

73. Yeah, I bitched and moaned when my partner spent $200 dollars on the Nest thermostat.

But that thing sure comes in handy when we are out of town. We can set the temp to something completely uncomfortable to save energy/money. Just kick it back on while on the way home. In olden times we would just set the temp at slightly uncomfortable so the house wasn't too hot or cold when we got home.

Better living through gadgets I say.

I can't wait for a car with radar, FLIR, and driver assist or autopilot.

I'm pretty sure the Electronic Stability Control on one of our cars saved my bacon when the car ahead of me panic stopped on I-55 in a sudden white out. At first I thought I swiped the other car but it was the ABS/ESC kicking in to correct an oversteer. The car jerked back in line like it was on rails.

[Warren DeMontague]

94. I bought ours; my wife and I are in that phase of life where we have vastly different thermal needs

and after one too many times of being blamed by her for being woken up in the middle of the night by the house being too hot in the winter, I said "fuck it, here, you can program this deal however you want, I won't touch it, but then I don't get the blame for you being uncomfortable at 2 AM"

It worked out great, actually. Removed a real point of friction.

[pinboy3niner]

23. I don't blame you. I want one that SINGS!

And dances, preferably, but that's not a dealbreaker. My kitchen doesn't have that much room, after all.

A Fred/Ginger fridge/range might still be nice.

[Warren DeMontague]

29. I just want YOU to dress in a refrigerator costume and come sit in my kitchen.

[pinboy3niner]

31. That would be a relief

For some inexplicable reason I keep getting mobbed lately when I wear my Pikachu costume.

[Warren DeMontague]

32. Costume? And here, I thought you just looked like that.

Weird.

[pinboy3niner]

34. I wish! That cute, young image would be an improvement.

The last time I was "cute" was a few decades ago. Around the same time I was told a woman said I had a "nice butt." Now they just say "That grandpa once looked okay, butt..."

[Travis_0004]

26. .

Nobody really things a talking fridge is a good idea, their marketing department built one.

And I love the idea of self driving cars.

[Act_of_Reparation]

36. There's a simple solution to these problems:

Don't buy them.

[Siwsan]

37. I prefer living a simple and unpretentious life

How many people would be much more financially secure if they put more priority into buying according to their needs, rather than according to their wants?

I recently had to replace my old, inherited side by side refrigerator, which was already a little to fancy for me, and it was a real eye opener. We saw one refrigerator that was going to $10,000. The one with the built in coffee maker was a breezy $3,000. I was gob smacked.

I bought one sufficient for my needs, which are few and simple, and paid cash. It wasn't the least expensive, but it is an American made product. I will continue to make my coffee on my equally simple but adequate stove, using my ancient but perfectly functional little drip pot. All of that money I saved stayed in the bank and might just come in handy, some day.

The way I see it, the more features, the more worries, the more things to go wrong, the more it costs to fix or replace.

[pinboy3niner]

39. A built-in coffeemaker? In your fridge?

If it talks, too, I'm in! My current fridge doesn't even pour water or deliver ice. Sad.

Of course, it would have to come in a gold-plated model to fit in with the penthouse decor. Have you seen my toilet? Melania says she loves it but the truth is that she never poops.

If we had coffee coming out of the fridge, maybe she'd poop.

We, too, are simple and unpretentious. We have a little gold and gilt around, just like my blacks and my Hispanics and everyone else, right?

[cali]

40. I know. Dreadful to have to fill ice trays with water and put them in the freezer.

I think they have "smart" toilets now that can test your pee for all kinds of illnesses. Don't know if they've gotten to poop yet.

[Siwsan]

61. It makes me feel like such a peasant. A happy, content peasant

Compared to many of my contemporaries, I'm a billionaire in the contentment category, with no gold required. However, I am a sucker for a pretty chunk of turquoise.

[Adrahil]

62. Refrigeration!? Who needs it!?

My ole man's ice box was good enuff for him, and by gawd, it's good enuff for me!!!

And get those kids off my lawn!



Seriously.... buy what you want. And allow others to do the same.

[Siwsan]

63. We are just conversing, for pities sake!

I really don't give a flying fig what anyone else buys. It becomes their good choice or their expensive albatross. It's all just friendly and light conversation. But please, snark away!

[Adrahil]

66. So was I.

As a student of history, I'm always amused by this kind of conversation.

[treestar]

41. LOL crazy

Briefly looking at it, appears to be for the sales floor - explaining its features - not so much for day to day.

[LeftishBrit]

42. Let me point out another side, though

I have had visual processing problems from birth, not severe, not even noticeable in many situations, but just severe enough to prevent me from being able to drive (or, more accurately, from being safe to drive in a world where not all other drivers will be following the rules!) This has placed significant restrictions on my life: for example, I haven't been able to consider living or working in places where being able to drive is vital. If there had been self-driving cars, I would have had much more choice in my life. And self-driving cars might give a lot more independence for a lot longer to elderly people, for example.

By contrast, a talking fridge would be just an irritation for me, and I certainly wouldn't be spending my money on it. But that too might be useful to blind people, or to people with age-related cognitive impairments or early dementia.

I think it might make sense to restrict some of these inventions to those with known disabilities, and to elderly people, so as to avoid the risk of people 'losing it by not using it'. Just as one doesn't give everyone crutches. But for some people these devices could make a huge difference to their choices and chances in life, or even in some cases make the difference between a person living independently or having to go into a care home

[cali]

45. Thanks. The op isn't really about self-driving vehicles or talking fridges

It's about what I see as a growing dependency on technology to a dangerous point.

Clearly, as you and others point out, there's also an upside for certain demographics. (though I fail to see how a talking fridge would help people with cognitive disabilities or dementia).

And what happens if something crashes or is hacked? Will people grow so dependent on certain "smart" innovations in their daily lives, that they'll be left "stranded"?

I wish I could still get a car with roll down windows. I can't tell you how many times electric windows have failed me at -20.

There's an upside and downside to any revolution.

[B Calm]

43. I need one that displays my weight.

[Major Nikon]

44. "Put down the ice cream and just walk away!"

The fucken talking scales is a lying bastid I tell ya

[snooper2]

46. yeah right, I bet you will go out and by a door buzzard when they go on sale

[KittyWampus]

50. When a talking refrigerator is on the fritz does it sing "Daisy" like Hal?

[exboyfil]

53. I just want a car with manual locks

and crank windows.

I love my 2002 Cavalier with both. Every car which I have had auto windows and locks (two out of five) has had problems with them.

I don't need a back up camera. Powered seats. XM/Sirius Radio, I need to get from point A to point B reliably - that is all.

[jberryhill]

55. Is it okay with you if my blind daughter has one?

[ileus]

56. Don't buy one.

[yellowcanine]

57. Why do you hate America?

[Javaman]

58. damn snarky appliances!

[Xithras]

67. My sisters new refrigerator has cameras inside.

She can connect to it from the grocery store, with her phone, to see exactly how much milk she has left, or whether she has enough ham to make the kids sandwiches tomorrow, or whether she has enough wine chilling to survive her work day.

I told her that it's neat, but that I have other things I'd rather spend an extra thousand dollars on.

[Initech]

69. Anything advertisers think we want, I sure as hell don't.

I saw one one time and the ad was "Do you want an app on your phone that gives you unlimited ad free music in exchange for letting us know information about every day purchases you make?" You know the answer to that? Fucking hell no!!!

[hatrack]

74. Yes, and the little TVs on gas pumps . . .

Using a largely unavoidable routine experience so that they can jam in three or four minutes of MORE ADVERTISING TIME.

Now there's a technology begging for the proper application of a mallet.

[Initech]

75. Yeah if there's a screen there must be a way to feed ads to people.

I wonder if all this guerilla style of marketing is what is making us miserable?

[pinboy3niner]

71. FRANKIE FORD "You Talk Too Much" (1960)

[Solly Mack]

76. Your fridge takes over your car and sends you to the grocery store for bread and milk.

Your house decides you can't go out and conspires with your phone to keep locking the door on you. Probably the fridge is behind it. It feels neglected and empty inside. (which leads to the great fridge-car takeover)

[yeoman6987]

77. Of the items mentioned,

I'd want a self driving car the most especially if I become impaired somehow as I grow older. The refer I don't need. It is funny that at the grocery store, the refer reminds you that you need eggs. And the ability to control your home by iPad is appealing but later.

[grahamhgreen]

79. Drove a tesla with auto pilot the other day.... It was.... Very relaxing!

[underahedgerow]

92. I would love a car I didn't have to think about! That's why I like taxis and drivers and uber

and trains and planes and the like. I would much rather let someone else dodge rampant pedestrians and bicycles and and cars that can't manage to stay in their own lanes. I like it when someone else drives!

Gives me time to gaze out the window and enjoy the scenery!

[grahamhgreen]

96. Stress level reduced by half, it was kind of bizzarre. That said, you still have to pay attention,

it's not perfected.... yet!

[MineralMan]

80. I doubt you'll have to buy one, really.

I'm sure they'll continue making ordinary refrigerators, etc., that can be sold for the lower prices many can afford to spend.

However, if you prefer connected appliances, they'll have those, too.

Personally, I buy such things in basic versions, with no frills. I don't even have an icemaker in my fridge. I have a couple of ice cube trays and a container for ice cubes. Works great, and I didn't have to run plumbing to the thing.

My fridge is 12 years old, and was the least expensive model at Best Buy. When it fails, I'll buy another like it, just like I did last time. I have no doubt they'll have one in stock for same-day delivery, too.

[Eleanors38]

82. Talk? Mine already sounds like a B-17 when it cuts on. And dims the lights.

[eppur_se_muova]

83. Remember the talking vending machines ?

Neither do I. They didn't last long.

Once the technology to put voices on a chip came along, people started trying to dream up uses for it. A camera that lets you record a voice message AND a photo ? A greeting card that lets you record a voice message ? A machine that sells you a Coke and a robotic spiel ? Um, actually, there turned out not to be that many good uses.

Voice mail was only introduced so the Bell system could struggle to maintain the relevance of its voice-transmission technology patents in the post-email era. Email won, and voicemail remains an anachronistic kludge which needs to die off.

[Odin2005]

86. As someone who can't drive because of my Asperger's, gimmie the self-driving car.

[Blue_Adept]

88. Not everything is for you. Not everything is for the American market.

These things have different appeals in different cultures and, within the American itself, different cultures.

Threads like this always crack me up. "Well, I sure don't need it, so I'm gonna plant a flag and die on this hill."

Then again, you only posted three replies after it, so it's obviously not something you really want to discuss or learn from.

[Recursion]

89. I don't like mechanical wheat threshers. Don't trust them.

There is, of course, technology that advances medical treatment, helps with environmental degradation, etc, but what does a talking refrigerator have to do with that?

"Refrigerator, start thawing Timmy's insulin now, please".

More seriously, the IoT principle that gives us talking refrigerators is saving thousands of lives daily by automating and monitoring drug administration. Talking fridges are a kind of silly application of that, but then again they do save energy which means lower emissions and less likelihood that Timmy's house gets flooded in 20 years.

A self-driving car? No thank you. I prefer to be in control, not to have control taken from me.

The 30,000 people killed by human drivers every year thank you. Nostalgia is a dangerous emotion.

[randome]

91. What about a self-driving refrigerator? Would that work for you?

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font][hr]

[Mendocino]

93. The Carrington Event

Our reliance on all things electronic could come crashing down someday. In 1859 an intense solar storm struck the earth. Telegraph operators received electric shocks. Telegraph poles showered sparks. That was then with very limited use of electrical technology. Now we have billions of devices that use electricity. The entire power grid could shut down for months or even years while repairs to transformers are made. Anything containing circuitry could be fried. Cars wouldn't run, no internet, no electric lighting, no water or natural gas (relies on e-pumps), communications....on and on. The effects of a storm like this or a worse one would send us back to the stone age.