The Internet of Things is set to create billions of internet connected devices over the next few years. Most of the devices created will solve a multitude of problems but does everything need to be internet connected/smart? Here is my list of some of the weirdest IoT devices so far:
Smart Hairbrush
L'Oréal showcased this smart brush at CES17 and it detects frizziness, dryness, split ends and breakage as well as analysing brushing patterns.
Feel like an unnecessary foray into the beauty market - surely most people can use their eyes and sense of touch to detect if their hair is dry/has split ends?!
Mousetrap
This mousetrap from Rentokil, traps the mouse and releases carbon dioxide when it detects a mouse inside. The device then sends a signal back to the base station to alert the user that there is a mouse that needs to be disposed of.
Catching mice is not anybody’s idea of a fun activity, so devices to make it easier will probably be welcomed, but this just seems odd!
Bins
There are a lot of smart bins out there. This one, the Geni Cam device (also showcased at CES17), involves a small device in your bin that you use to scan items, which then get put on your shopping list on your phone.
Another device we just don’t need! I, for one, don’t relish the idea of hanging around my bin scanning in items and there are so many people that can’t even seem to put their rubbish into a bin,let alone scan it, so I can’t see this one taking off!
There is of course the high likelihood that the device will fall into the bin…
EggMinder
An IoT connected tray for your eggs so you know when you are running low and how fresh they are.
Another device that seems a bit useless because again you can just look to see how many eggs are left and check the sell by dates!
Smart Toilets
There are quite a few of these out there, many of which are discussed in this article. A smart toilet can do a whole host of things, flush, self-clean, light up, even play music. Some of these features might be useful but do you really want your toilet with a mind of its own – or someone else being able to control it whilst you’re using it?! Even if it does have the voice of Jon Hamm, I think it’s a bit creepy!
What other strange IoT devices are out there?