Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and frustrations consumers face with smart products, highlighting issues related to repair difficulties and product reliability in the context of rapid technological advancement and market expansion [1][6]. Group 1: Consumer Experiences - Consumers are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with smart products, citing issues such as malfunctioning devices that are difficult to repair. For example, a smart floor fan purchased for over 200 yuan failed to operate after a summer, and a high-end vacuum cleaner became unserviceable due to complex repair processes [2][3]. - In Zhejiang, a region with high penetration of smart home products, consumers have reported numerous incidents of product failures, including a smart home system that became obsolete after the manufacturer went out of business, affecting over 200 users [2][3]. - Complaints about smart devices have surged, with the national consumer complaint platform reporting 104,000 complaints related to smart devices in 2023, a 1.1-fold increase year-on-year. Smartwatches and smart home devices topped the complaint list [3][12]. Group 2: Repair Challenges - The article emphasizes the difficulty of repairing smart products, which often have complex components that are not easily accessible. For instance, smart panels and smart bathrooms require specialized knowledge and parts that are hard to obtain [8][10]. - Repair technicians note that the increased functionality of smart devices correlates with higher failure rates, and many repairs require proprietary knowledge or tools that are not widely available [8][10]. - The warranty period for smart products does not reflect their higher repair complexity, leading to additional costs for consumers who need extended warranty services [10][22]. Group 3: Industry Analysis - The rapid growth in sales of smart products has not been matched by improvements in quality and after-sales service, leading to a decline in product reliability. Factors such as cost-cutting and market competition contribute to this trend [12][13]. - The average price of smart home systems has dropped significantly, with some companies reporting a more than 50% decrease since 2015, indicating a shift towards lower-cost solutions that may compromise quality [15][22]. - The automotive sector, particularly in electric vehicles, faces similar challenges, with a 137% increase in complaints related to software issues in 2024, highlighting the need for better maintenance and repair solutions [17][22]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - The article suggests that companies should not over-rely on cloud services for smart home systems, advocating for local operation capabilities to ensure functionality even if external services fail [20][22]. - There is a call for improved research and development focused on the economic feasibility of repairs for smart products, particularly in the automotive sector, to enhance the overall consumer experience [22][23]. - The need for establishing industry standards and improving the quality of service in the repair market is emphasized, with suggestions for creating certification systems for repair technicians to enhance trust and service quality [24][25].