It almost feels expected to be woven into the latest gadgets, to the point where every new product seems to need an AI feature to be considered worthwhile. However, as someone whose job is to cover, review and test the latest smart home tech, I don't think that's what makes this area truly useful. I've come to realise that the best smart home gadgets are often the ones that make the annoying tasks disappear. It might be controversial to say, but none of that necessarily needs AI – it just needs technology that solves a problem you actually have. You don't need an AI-powered bulb that understands your mood if all you want is for the hallway light to turn on when you walk through the door.