I think they just wanted to peddle more redundant Apple products or something...

I never said it wouldn’t give you better performance, but what exact functions can those systems provide that the platforms discussed above can’t do? 

You missed the point. He used the light bulbs as an example, which is good because almost everyone interested in smart home stuff does their lights.

Welcome to the future, where you can get 90% of the functionality of those systems for 10% of the cost. 

I think the headline is more just the Gizmodo style guide than an actual statement of fact/argument (the article is pretty well reasoned). Smart home tech is pretty alright right now. It’s relatively easy and affordable to get the basics (AV entertainment, lights, climate) to work pretty well.  

Instead of the Star Trek “computer, do x” future we got a shit one where the computer just records everything you say to sell you shit you don’t need.