A Linux-powered microwave oven

Posted Feb 12, 2016 19:02 UTC (Fri) by rgmoore (✭ supporter ✭, #75)
In reply to: A Linux-powered microwave oven by fratti
Parent article: A Linux-powered microwave oven

A lot of home appliances have come to a state where it would take some serious engineering to make a substantial improvement over previous models (which is expensive), so to keep up a fake air of technological evolution (as we've come to expect it from other devices such as computers or phones), they just tack things on that makes them look more advanced than it really is.

Pretty much. Most of them are relatively simple mechanical tools for performing mechanical tasks- chopping, mixing, blending, etc.- so that there isn't a huge amount to change. They seem to do a few basic things- changing cosmetics, expanding the product line to larger or smaller models, making the motor more powerful, or just trying to squeeze out production costs- that don't change the basic functions. There is some genuine innovation out there- I've been amazingly happy with my induction range, which is a huge advance over conventional electric stoves- but it happens much slower than in tech.