"Surely they are just a simple use of technology to improve an outdated system?"It may replace an outdated system, but what is the gain? I already have more accurate enough clocks than I need. I see no need to have a device that scares Sue Hammond (I could do that myself if I needed to). It stops people visiting me at inconvenient times? Well, my social isolation is advanced enough already, and likely to grow, so I really don't need a machine's help to increase it. I guess that the flashing red light will brighten up Christmas a little, but it only makes rats jump. I need a device that will have a more permanent effect on them. I am sure that all the data which it produces and squirts down the electronic pipe to the electricity company is useful to them, but it doesn't do anything useful for me. If only it could just shout something helpful like "turn that heating down", or, "Shut some of those lights off!". Perhaps it doesn't want me to cut my consumption?
David Ainsworth ● 2178d