"Smart" appliances - technology overkill?

In looking at the (mostly boring) coverage of CES, it seems companies such as Samsung are still trying to push "smart" technology - kitchen and laundry appliances you can remotely monitor and control through your PC.

Why do they bother?

* "Smart" technology adds hundreds of dollars to the cost of each appliance. Even if I won the lottery, I doubt I'd spend $1500+ for a dryer that sends a signal to my PC when the clothes are ready.

* Repairs aren't cheap. An appliance tech told me replacement boards for smart appliances are often in the $400 range for the part alone (and no, you can't replace it with an Intel or AMD from Newegg :-D ).

* When combined with a "smart" (digital) electric meter, appliances can be turned on or off remotely.

* Although the legality of this has yet to be established, it could allow your electric utility to turn off your 'frig, 'dryer, heat or AC if power demand is high without your consent. If the human sending the signals fails to turn it back on, it's ruined food or moldy laundry - not to mention I have an issue with "Big Brother" controlling things in my house.

* We now have viruses and malware on Macs and smartphones. Although I'm not losing any sleep over the thought, eventually some idiot may come out with a bug attempting to turn your kitchen and laundry room into a scene from Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive​

.

Have manufacturers gone overboard? What are your thoughts?

 

The only item in my house that has any kind of remote from afar, is our thermostat. I do have a Ted5000 to monitor electric use, but some of the other stuff like remote viewing of fridge, washer and such is just right now overkill.