Alexa-enabled prefab homes. What could go wrong?
Home design company Plant Prefab just announced it raised a $6.7 million Series A funding round, with some money coming from the Amazon Alexa Fund, Jeff Bezos and co.’s venture capital arm for voice-tech innovation.
In a press release, the California-based home manufacturers touted their ability to “dramatically improve efficiencies and environmental responsibility,” and while we’re all for the company’s sustainable, affordable and quick-build shelters, the smart home aspect has us worried.
According to Plant Prefab, there are now 20,000 Alexa-compatible smart home devices available for purchase, and the company is all for integrating that tech into their shelters.
OK, yes, the future is here and voice control is great. Except when it comes to privacy. Or unexpected evil laughter. Or getting hacked by chirping birds. And, of course, the usual power and connectivity hiccups.
For now, we hope purchasers of these new homes are presented with the voice controls as an option, not as a built-in feature. Because the slope between voice control and complete and total mind control appears to be slippery at best.
Main image via Plant Prefab
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