Which? has found that high-end smart products are lacking robust guarantees and risk losing features just after two years, causing them to lose functionality or become a hacking risk. 

Smart appliances are quickly becoming the norm, with smart tvs, dishwashers, and washing machines taking over households, but Which? found that these products often lack guarantees of functionality and safety. 

While smart appliances can offer many benefits including scheduling functions remotely, connecting multiple devices to be controllable through smart phones, and the ability to use voice commands, they come at a premium. 

A smart dishwasher for instance, would cost around £300 more upfront than the normal equivalent appliance. 

Appliances that are connected to the internet and other devices, however, also come with a greater risk. 

Hackers can infiltrate wifi systems from any connected device, so keeping these smart appliances secure is vital to prevent cyber-attacks. 

Big brands are not picking up this mantle, however, as WHich? Found that many companies only provide a two year guarantee, if any at all, on their smart devices. 

LG dishwasher, smart TVs, and washing machines are guaranteed support for two years from their launch, despite the appliances’ lifespans being three to six times longer. 

Similarly, Sony and Samsung only guarantees updates for TVs two and three years respectively, again only after the product is launched rather than it is purchased. 

HP only garuatnees it’s smart printers for three years, despite their printers having an estimated 13 year lifespan. 

In Which?’s research, they found many brands to not be entirely transparent in their support for smart devices, with under half (49%) replying to their inquiries about minimum support periods. 

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy said: “It’s unfair for manufacturers to sell expensive products that should last for many years and then abandon them. This means the product could lose the features that justified the hefty price tag and can potentially create a security risk or add to the electrical waste mountain if it has to be replaced.”

Recently, the UK passed the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act, which will ensure brands are upfront about how long products will be supported with updates, but does not ensure that brands provide a minimum guarantee that matches their product’s lifespan. 

Recommended

• Shetland Spaceport Partners with German Rocket Company
• Royal Mail Suffering ‘Severe Disruption’ Following ‘Cyber Incident’
• Filament STAC to Launch Scottish IoT Recruitment Platform

“Manufacturers must up their game and provide vital tech updates for their smart products for longer, otherwise the government should consider further intervention in this area, including specifying a minimum number of years that these products have to be supported for,” Concha added. 

To defend against cyber-attacks, consumers will need to ensure their smart devices are equipped with proper, up-to-date security features and take security measures into their own hands, or avoid certain smart devices all together until brands up their security insurances.  

Get all the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.