Tech-free homes are the new rich people flex? Crazy that in 2025, the super wealthy are spending millions on houses with no smart gadgets or Wi-Fi, like they’re living in the old days. It’s not just about hating tech maybe more about buying privacy. No Alexa listening, no data tracking. Is this just for billionaires, or are we all tired of being online all the time?
These "smart" devices are all controlled through the internet... which is insane. I don't want my home to become unusable when wi-fi is down. I want local switches that can be controlled... locally, offline.
The local government here pushes "smart thermostats" which I've had fail twice because the app on the phone couldn't reach the server that day. If I must have digital controls, connect them to a physical network that's isolated from the internet, and a local panel to interact. I don't need an app on my phone.
We can't use the broil feature of our oven, because it is an on-line feature only and we won't connect it to wi-fi... bastards.
"It’s not just about hating tech maybe more about buying privacy."
For the ultra-rich, probably this.
Personally, I don't mind 'smart' tech. But only if used wisely, making life more comfortable, saving energy, etc.
I do mind the 'let random 3rd parties spy on your everyday life' part. 'Smart' could be just "automatic" and/or LAN only. Connected but not to anywhere outside the house.
Also I dislike making things more complicated than necessary. Light on/off? Physical switch does the job. Ok, add TV-style remote if you want. But doesn't need phone app/WAN networking or software updates.
