Smart devices could turn 'dumb' within a few years, Which? warns
Smart appliances could be rendered useless within a few years, as manufacturers are "failing" to provide clear information on how long they will provide vital software updates, Which? has claimed.
Home appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and doorbells that are equipped with smart capabilities, enable owners to control certain features remotely or send alerts to engineers when a fault is detected.
However Which?, has expressed concern surrounding the lack of clarity from manufacturers on the length of time that smart features will be supported with software updates, warning that some smart products could turn "dumb" within a few years.
The consumer group has highlighted that a lack of updates on the devices could leave users unable to access some smart functionalities, as well as data abandoned on their home network, a situation that could result in expensive machines that still function being replaced before their time and even ending up in landfill.
When approached by Which? for comment, the majority of manufacturers said that they would offer updates for what they termed "the life of the product", but could not give a definitive answer.
Samsung told the consumer rights group that updates would be available “as needed and not limited to warranty periods”, while electronics brand Beko said "a maximum of 10 years".
BSH - the manufacturer responsible for Bosch, Neff and Siemens appliances - told Which? that it was difficult to provide a specific length of time for updates across its smart products, but reiterated that it would provide updates for the lifetime of the product.
According to Which?, Miele was the only manufacturer to offer a clear answer, outlining that smart appliances would be supported with security updates for 10 years.
"Being able to check the contents of your fridge from your smartphone or having your dishwasher order itself more salt when it starts running low may seem appealing, but with some appliances costing up to an extra £900, these smart features don't come cheap," said Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services.
Ms Hitchens added: "Until manufacturers are clear and upfront about how long they will support these products for, consumers could be better off avoiding smart appliances that might turn 'dumb' after only a few years and stick to more reliable and significantly cheaper non-smart alternatives."
The UK Government is currently outlining plans for legislation that would oblige manufacturers to state the minimum length of time that a smart device device will receive security updates.
