Growing up on St. Simons in the ’70s, I never needed a house key; someone was always home, and the side door in the garage was always unlocked. But when I turned 16 and got my first car, I finally had a reason to carry a key. I even bought a keychain just to hold my one and only key, because losing it wasn’t an option!
Nowadays people don’t need car keys. You simply tap a code to open the car door and have the key fob (What the heck is a “fob” anyway?) in your purse or pocket to start the ignition. No more “Where are my car keys?” moments. But even more remarkable are the advances in “smart” home technology.
Back in the 1970s, home automation was pretty basic; we had The Clapper. Two claps turned the lights on, two claps turned them off. It was revolutionary—until you sneezed and suddenly sat in darkness. Fast forward to 2025, now we have everything from simple sound-triggered switches to AI-powered smart homes that practically read your mind—sometimes maybe a little too well! Today, you don’t just turn off the lights; your smart assistant dims them, sets the temperature, and plays whale sounds because it “knows” you need to relax. Your fridge nags you about eating the last slice of cheesecake at 2:00 a.m. while your vacuum scolds the dog for shedding too much. Even your toilet has an opinion, analyzing your hydration levels and suggesting a kale smoothie.
Security systems now do more than beep; they recognize faces, alert you to the arrival of the dog walker, and even warn you if your in-laws show up unannounced. Our smart assistants have become too smart. Ask them to order a pizza, and they’ll remind you about your diet, your budget, and your New Year’s resolution. From The Clapper to AI-driven homes, automation has come a long way—perhaps a little too far. But who needs keys anyway?!
Now, if I could just remember my door code so I can actually get inside my car.
P.S. Just in case you really are curious about the word “fob” referring to the remote control we use to wirelessly lock, unlock, and sometimes start vehicles—it stands for “Frequency Operated Button.” Now you know!
