v3.4: Internet of trash

Have you heard of the internet of things? If not, let us explain in our latest episode. Even if you’re in the know about IoT, we might still be able to enlighten you on how it’s getting a bit trashy. 🗑️

From the origins of the term (which are earlier than you would think) to now, with billions of devices being connected to the internet, we cover the length and breadth of the internet of things, and even take a look at all the ‘smart’ objects in our midst around Dublin, thanks to Smart Dublin.

We’ve got smart buoys (not to be confused with soft bois), smart parking spaces and even smart bins. 🚮

But, as we all know, adding tech to something doesn’t actually make it ‘smart’. And sometimes it can really feel stupid, as it does with Jenny’s eternal tech nemesis: the printer.

If Elaine had a tech nemesis, it would probably be the TFI Live app. 🤬

And then there are some absolutely pointless devices, packed with features but devoid of purpose. Our episode was actually recorded before reviews for the Rabbit came out and, well, we were right to question the hype for this little gizmo. 🐇

We haven’t had this much fun reading tech reviews since the Humane AI Pin just a few weeks ago, and before that it was Ed Zitron’s review of the Apple Vision Pro – which we also think needs to go in the bin. (Ed calls it “the consumer tech equivalent of CyberPunk 2077” – if you know, you know.)

It’s not just the title of our show, it’s a mantra: we don’t want tech for tech’s sake. And we agree with our expert guest Prof Dirk Pesch that we should keep things simple, purposeful and long-lasting.

Thanks again to the team at the 2024 Future Professional Skills Showcase for arranging that interview. You can follow Dirk on X and check out the work of Advance CRT, which is advancing research and training in sustainability, here.

Want to hear more?

If you enjoyed this episode of For Tech’s Sake then there are others you may also want to check out, as good companions to some of the themes discussed here:

♻️ Fast tech with Swappie country manager Luísa Vasconcelos E Sousa

🐮 Smart farming with Padraig Hennessy, chair of AgTech Ireland

🔋 The future of battery power with scientist Dr Valeria Nico

🗑️ Digital waste with Gerry McGovern, host of World Wide Waste

Next week, we’ll have a special bonus episode exclusive for HeadStuff+ Community members, so if you really want to hear from us every week, you’ll have to become a member here.