2 chapters across the catalog
John C. Dvorak complains about drivers in Berkeley who refuse to pull into the intersection while waiting to make a left turn, causing traffic congestion. The conversation shifts to home automation, with Adam Curry describing his low-tech method of plugging in lights manually, while Dvorak recalls the "clunky" X10 systems of the 1970s.
Home Automation, X10 Standards and Consumer Skeptics
Home automation technology, which dates back to the 1970s and the X10 standard, continues to face adoption hurdles due to complexity. While modern systems promise "connected cars" and "life spaces," many users find the hardware clunky and difficult to operate. Personal anecdotes highlight the gap between high-tech marketing and the practical reality of manual light switches and simple plug-in timers.
