AllYouCanTech

The Shutdown of Smart Gardening Company Underscores the Inconsistency of Internet of Things Technology

# AeroGarden’s Shutdown: A Warning for Smart Devices and IoT

AeroGarden, a well-known brand recognized for its Wi-Fi-enabled indoor gardening systems, is slated to shut down operations on January 1. The firm, a key player in the hydroponic gardening industry since 2006, has announced this closure due to “a number of challenges with this business.” While Scotts Miracle-Gro, the parent company that completely acquired AeroGarden in 2020, continues to market AeroGarden products, the future of the devices’ companion app is unclear. This situation raises concerns for customers who have invested in AeroGarden’s smart gardening solutions and underscores larger issues related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart tech.

## What Is AeroGarden?

AeroGarden systems are created to enable users to cultivate plants indoors without the necessity of soil or sunlight. By utilizing hydroponics and LED lighting, AeroGarden products provide a practical means to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in compact spaces. These systems are especially favored by urban residents and individuals without outdoor gardening environments.

One of the significant advantages of AeroGarden’s more sophisticated models, including the Bounty and Farm series, is their connection to a companion app. Available on both iOS and Android, the app links to AeroGarden systems through Wi-Fi, offering users real-time notifications about their plants’ needs, such as when to water or add nutrients. The app also allows users to manage the amount of light and water their plants receive while providing gardening advice, customer service access, and community interaction via social media platforms.

## Why Is AeroGarden Closing Its Doors?

The specific reasons behind AeroGarden’s closure are somewhat ambiguous. The company’s FAQ page merely mentions that the choice was “necessary due to a number of challenges with this business.” While the company has not expanded on these obstacles, various factors could have led to its decline:

1. **Rising Competition**: AeroGarden encountered increasing rivalry from more affordable options found on platforms like Amazon. Many of these competitors provide similar hydroponic systems at reduced prices, making it challenging for AeroGarden to sustain its market presence.

2. **DIY Alternatives**: The growth of do-it-yourself (DIY) hydroponic gardening may have also been influential. With a plethora of online guides and kits available, consumers might have chosen to construct their own systems rather than purchase AeroGarden’s pricier, pre-assembled models.

3. **Economic Pressures**: Like numerous companies, AeroGarden may have experienced the impacts of broader economic issues, including supply chain disturbances, inflation, and shifting consumer spending behaviors.

4. **Technological Maintenance**: The expenses linked to maintaining and updating the companion app, as well as ensuring compatibility with smart home technologies like Amazon Alexa, might have intensified the company’s financial difficulties.

## The Uncertain Future of the AeroGarden App

A significant concern for AeroGarden users is the outlook for the companion app. In a recent statement, AeroGarden indicated that the app would be accessible “for an extended period of time” but did not clarify the duration. This lack of clarity is particularly worrisome for those who own Wi-Fi-capable models like the Bounty and Farm, which depend on the app for remote operation features.

Without the app, these smart systems will lose much of their capabilities, including the ability to monitor and modify settings from afar. While the gardens can still be operated manually, the absence of app support reduces the perceived value of the investment for many users. For instance, AeroGarden’s Farm series began at $595 when it was updated in 2020, and purchasers of these premium models may feel especially disheartened by the looming app shutdown.

Some users have proposed that AeroGarden should open-source its app protocol, enabling the community to independently maintain and upgrade the software. However, there has been no sign that Scotts Miracle-Gro intends to pursue this option. Open-sourcing the app might extend the lifespan of AeroGarden systems, but it also brings risks, including potential security threats or improper use of the technology.

## The Wider Implications for IoT Gadgets

AeroGarden’s closure serves as a stark reminder of the risks linked to IoT devices. While smart gadgets can present exciting new functionalities and conveniences, they are also vulnerable to the decisions of their manufacturers. When a company opts to phase out a product or service, customers often find themselves abandoned, with devices that cease to operate as expected.

This predicament is not exclusive to AeroGarden. In recent years, numerous other companies have discontinued smart devices, leaving consumers with costly gadgets that are essentially rendered useless. For example, Amazon recently eliminated a critical feature on its Echo Look device, and Oral-B removed Alexa capabilities from its $230 smart toothbrush.

The uncertainty surrounding the durability of smart devices has spurred demands for increased transparency from manufacturers. Some consumer advocates have argued that companies should be obligated

The Awareness of Possessing Adequate Knowledge for Making Decisions

### The Risks of Overconfidence: How Incomplete Information Can Result in Poor Choices

In a world brimming with data, it’s tempting to believe we possess all the insight required to make sound decisions. Nevertheless, recent studies reveal a concerning cognitive bias: when individuals are exposed to only incomplete information, they frequently exhibit the same level of confidence in their choices as if they understood the entire scenario. This occurrence, which complements the widely recognized Dunning-Kruger effect, highlights the perils of overconfidence in the decision-making process.

#### The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Its Offshoot

The **Dunning-Kruger effect** illustrates how those with limited knowledge in a certain field tend to overestimate their abilities. This cognitive bias emerges because their lack of expertise hinders them from recognizing their own deficiencies. Recently, researchers Hunter Gehlbach, Carly Robinson, and Angus Fletcher have discovered a related bias: individuals often believe they have sufficient information to reach decisions, even when they’re only privy to a fragment of the facts.

In their research, the team noted that when participants received incomplete or slanted information, they seldom questioned whether they grasped the entire narrative. Consequently, they proceeded into decision-making scenarios with unwarranted confidence, assuming they held all necessary data. Fortunately, when individuals were later given the complete context, many were open to reevaluating their views.

#### The Study: How Incomplete Information Influences Choices

The researchers crafted an experiment based on a hypothetical situation involving a school district grappling with a water shortage. The district was contemplating the merger of two schools to alleviate the problem. Participants were provided with an article containing seven facts: three supportive of merging, three opposing, and one neutral. In the control group, which received the full article, just over 50% of the participants endorsed the merger.

Conversely, the experimental groups encountered altered versions of the article. One group viewed a version that presented solely the arguments for merging, while another group reviewed a version that highlighted the reasons for keeping the schools separate. After reading, participants were inquired if they felt they had adequate information to make a decision, their confidence in their choice, and whether they believed others would concur with them.

Unexpectedly, participants in the experimental groups—armed with merely partial information—displayed the same level of confidence in their choices as those in the control group. Remarkably, those reading the pro-merger article exhibited even greater confidence than the control group. This indicates that people often do not recognize when they are acting on incomplete data.

#### The Effect of Bias on Decision-Making

The most notable difference observed between the groups was the decisions they reached. Among those who reviewed the pro-merger article, nearly 90% favored the merger. In contrast, fewer than 25% of those who read the anti-merger article supported the merger. This sharp distinction demonstrates how partial information can significantly distort decision-making.

Interestingly, the researchers also examined the effects of providing participants with the information they had previously overlooked. When the experimental group received the opposing version of the article (the one they had missed), their decisions started to align more closely with those of the control group. Their confidence in their initial choices waned, suggesting that individuals are open to altering their views when presented with a more comprehensive array of facts.

#### The Positive Takeaway: Opinions Can Shift

One of the more reassuring discoveries from this research is that individuals are not inherently inflexible in their beliefs. When presented with the complete context, most participants showed a willingness to reassess their original positions. This counters the researchers’ initial assumption that individuals would cling to their original beliefs even after being exposed to new information.

However, the study also underscores an important cognitive bias: people generally assume they possess enough information, even when they do not. This overconfidence can result in poor decision-making, particularly in circumstances where individuals are unaware of the voids in their understanding.

#### The Risks of Incomplete Information in the Current Media Landscape

This cognitive bias is particularly alarming in today’s media landscape, where numerous outlets are structured to showcase only a partial representation of the facts. Some media entities deliberately warp information to bolster a specific narrative, while others may inadvertently convey biased viewpoints. In extreme instances, misinformation is disseminated with the intent to mislead.

The study’s results indicate that exposure to slanted or incomplete information can profoundly affect people’s convictions. Even when accurate information is readily accessible from alternative sources, individuals may not pursue it, instead depending on the limited data they have been provided. This can cultivate polarized viewpoints and a deficiency in critical thought.

#### Final Thoughts: The Essential Nature of Humility in Decision-Making

The research conducted by Gehlbach, Robinson, and Fletcher serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for humility in decision-making. Individuals frequently overestimate their knowledge and overlook when they are making judgments based on incomplete information. This overconfidence can lead to misguided choices, especially in complicated scenarios where the complete reality is not immediately apparent.

Are Regular Dental X-Rays Essential? Here’s Why They Might Not Be Required.

## The Unexpected Reality of Regular Dental X-Rays: Are They Truly Essential?

When was the last occasion your dentist suggested a regular dental X-ray? If you resemble numerous patients, it’s possible you’ve been informed that yearly X-rays are crucial for your oral health. But what if this prevalent practice isn’t as vital as you’ve been led to think? In reality, the American Dental Association (ADA) does **not** advocate for routine annual X-rays for the majority of adults, and this stance has been in place for more than ten years.

### The ADA’s Position on Dental X-Rays

In contrast to what many dental clinics may imply, the ADA’s guidelines from 2012 indicated that adults without a heightened risk of dental cavities only require bitewing X-rays of the posterior teeth every two to three years. Even those at greater risk for cavities are advised to wait no less than 18 months between X-rays. The guidelines also stress that X-rays should not serve as a preventative screening tool. In other words, dentists must first conduct a clinical evaluation to determine if X-rays are warranted.

Fast forward to 2023, and the ADA’s revised guidelines go even further. The most recent instructions, released in April, refrain from endorsing any specific time frames for X-rays. Rather, the emphasis is placed on reducing patient exposure to radiation and ensuring that any X-ray performed is clinically justified.

### Excessive X-Ray Usage: A Continuing Concern

Despite these defined guidelines, numerous dental practices persist in the overutilization of X-rays. A 2016 article in *The New York Times* shed light on this dilemma, observing that many patients receive bitewing X-rays much more frequently than is necessary. For healthy adults, full-mouth X-rays might be needed only once a decade. However, the tendency to recommend annual X-rays continues, often lacking clear clinical justification.

This excessive reliance on X-rays is not merely an annoyance; it can have significant consequences. Although modern digital X-rays expose patients to lower radiation levels compared to older film-based counterparts, radiation exposure accumulates over time. Unnecessary exposure can elevate the risk of damage, particularly when there’s no discernible benefit to the patient.

### Insufficient Evidence in Dental Practices

The concern over excessive X-ray use is part of a larger issue in dentistry: the scarcity of evidence-based practices. In a series of discussions published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, experts critiqued the dental industry for adhering to outdated or unsubstantiated methods. One perspective, entitled “Too Much Dentistry,” contended that many routine facets of dental care, including semiannual cleanings and frequent X-rays, lack robust scientific support.

Sheila Feit, a retired medical expert, mirrored these worries in her commentary, “Too Much Dental Radiography.” Feit highlighted that there is minimal data to justify the use of X-rays for standard dental screenings, especially for adults with low cavity risk. A 2021 systematic review of 77 studies revealed that using X-rays to uncover early tooth decay frequently resulted in false negatives, causing cases of decay to be overlooked. Feit advocated for more stringent clinical trials to assess the risks and benefits of dental X-rays, particularly for low-risk individuals.

### Dentistry Lacking Oversight

One rationale for the excessive use of X-rays and other dubious practices in dentistry is the profession’s unique structure. Unlike other healthcare areas, where diagnostic assessment and treatment are generally supervised by disparate professionals, dentistry permits a single practitioner to manage everything—from diagnosis to treatment. This absence of external oversight can give rise to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Yehuda Zadik, a dental medicine professor, underscored this notion in his remarks to Feit’s commentary. He indicated that current data supports minimizing patient exposure to diagnostic radiation in dentistry. Zadik contended that X-rays should solely be employed when there is clear clinical suspicion of an issue, and that innovations in dental technology could further lessen the necessity for radiography.

For instance, electronic apex locators, utilized in root canal treatments, can sometimes eliminate the need for X-rays. Zadik also noted that just as it’s now inconceivable to use X-rays for shoe fittings (a practice once prevalent in the mid-20th century), future generations may be astonished to discover that dental crowns were once positioned using radiographic imaging.

### X-Rays in Children: More Harm Than Benefit?

The excessive use of X-rays isn’t confined to adults. In fact, mounting evidence suggests that routine dental X-rays may cause more harm than good in children. A 2021 randomized clinical trial involving 216 preschool-aged children revealed that integrating X-rays into a standard visual-tactile dental examination resulted in more detriment than advantage. The X-rays led to false positives and overdiagnosis, culminating in unnecessary treatments.

The authors of the trial concluded that visual inspection alone should suffice in most instances, without the requisite

Internet Archive Reestablishes Access to 916 Billion Archived Web Pages

# Wayback Machine Resumes Operations in Read-Only Mode After DDoS Incident, May Need Additional Maintenance

The Internet Archive’s **Wayback Machine**, an essential element of digital preservation, has resumed functionality in a restricted, read-only state after experiencing multiple **distributed denial of service (DDoS)** attacks that rendered the site unavailable. These attacks, which took place last week, also coincided with a **data breach** impacting millions of users, complicating the recovery efforts. Currently, the Wayback Machine is up and running, but other services provided by the Internet Archive remain offline, and further maintenance could be necessary.

## The Wayback Machine’s Brief Reinstatement

In a recent [post](https://x.com/brewster_kahle/status/1845688309085065571) on X (formerly Twitter), **Brewster Kahle**, the founder of the Internet Archive, indicated that the Wayback Machine is back in operation “in a temporary, read-only format.” While users can once again explore the extensive archive of web pages, the **”Save Page Now”** feature, which enables users to manually archive pages, is currently not functioning. Moreover, the **Open Library**, another significant service of the Internet Archive focused on preserving books, is still offline.

Established in 1996, the Internet Archive is a nonprofit organization vital for maintaining the web’s history. It has preserved over **916 billion web pages** and offers access to a diverse selection of digital materials, including videos, audio recordings, and texts. Nevertheless, the organization has encountered recent hurdles, including a legal dispute that led to the removal of **500,000 books** from its collection after a copyright verdict.

## DDoS Incidents and Data Breach

The recent interruption of the Wayback Machine resulted from a series of **DDoS attacks**. These attacks inundate a website’s servers with overwhelming traffic, making it inaccessible to genuine users. In addition to these incidents, the Internet Archive faced a **data breach** in September that compromised the information of **31 million users**.

The breach became publicly apparent when hackers altered the Internet Archive’s website, posting a message that stated, “Have you ever felt like the Internet Archive runs on sticks and is constantly on the verge of suffering a catastrophic security breach? It just happened. See 31 million of you on HIBP!” The mention of **HIBP** refers to the site [Have I Been Pwned](https://haveibeenpwned.com/), a service that alerts users if their personal data has been involved in a breach.

According to

Numerous PCs Will No Longer Receive Windows 10 Update Support in One Year

# The Conclusion of Windows 10 Support: Essential Information

Windows 10, having been the most prevalent version of Microsoft’s operating system for nearly ten years, is nearing the conclusion of its lifecycle. On **October 14, 2025**, Microsoft will officially cease to provide security updates for PCs operating on Windows 10. This represents a crucial turning point for both individual users and organizations, necessitating decisions on how to navigate a post-Windows 10 environment.

While this situation may feel familiar—considering that we have witnessed the cessation of support for earlier versions like Windows 7 and Windows 8—there are particular elements surrounding the end of Windows 10 that render this transition especially significant.

## Notable Changes in Windows 10’s End of Support

### 1. A Reduced Interval Between Replacement and Support Conclusion

Traditionally, Microsoft has afforded a longer grace period between the introduction of a new operating system and the cessation of support for the previous version. For instance:

– **Windows 8** was succeeded by Windows 10 in late 2015, with its support ending in January 2023, allowing users more than seven years to make the switch.
– **Windows 7** was replaced in late 2012, with mainstream support concluding in January 2020, again providing an extended transition period.

Conversely, Windows 10 users will experience roughly **four years** between the launch of Windows 11 (in October 2021) and the termination of Windows 10 support in October 2025. This reduced timeframe may surprise some users, particularly those slow to transition to Windows 11.

### 2. A Significant Number of Users Still Operating on Windows 10

Another critical aspect is the substantial proportion of individuals who remain on Windows 10. According to **StatCounter data from September 2024**, almost **two-thirds** of all active Windows systems globally still run Windows 10, in contrast to roughly one-third using Windows 11. This situation starkly differs from earlier transitions:

– At the point Windows 8 reached its end of life, it was merely operational on **3%** of Windows PCs.
– Windows 7, which had a significantly larger user base, remained operational on **35%** of active Windows PCs when its support ended in January 2020.

With the prolonged adoption of Windows 11, it is feasible that Windows 10 could still be the most-used Windows version at the time of its support conclusion in 2025. This reality may leave a considerable number of PCs exposed to security vulnerabilities if users do not upgrade or switch to another operating system.

### 3. Numerous Windows 10 PCs Are Ineligible for Upgrade to Windows 11

One of the most significant challenges facing Windows 10 users is that many PCs simply **cannot be upgraded** to Windows 11 because of its more stringent system requirements. Windows 11 mandates features like **TPM 2.0** (Trusted Platform Module) and **Secure Boot**, which many older systems, particularly those manufactured before 2018, do not support.

Historically, upgrading to a newer version of Windows primarily involved ensuring hardware speed or adequate storage. However, with Windows 11, even relatively contemporary PCs may be left behind due to Microsoft’s emphasis on security features. This presents many users with three choices:

1. **Pay for extended support**: Microsoft will provide paid security updates for enterprises and organizations for three additional years post-October 2025, but pricing for individual users remains unclear.
2. **Acquire a new PC**: For numerous users, the simplest route may be to buy a new PC compliant with Windows 11’s system specifications.
3. **Investigate alternative operating systems**: Some users might opt for other operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, particularly if they wish to maintain their current hardware.

## What Are Your Alternatives?

As the conclusion of Windows 10 support looms, users and organizations must determine their next steps. Here are some of the most feasible options:

### 1. Transition to Windows 11 (Even on Non-supported PCs)

For many users, the least complicated choice will be to upgrade to Windows 11, even if their PC does not officially meet system requirements. While this may involve some **workarounds**, it is feasible to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. Microsoft has indicated that they will not block these installations, although they will not extend official support or updates for such setups.

If you are contemplating this route, it is crucial to assess the associated risks. Unsupported installations could miss critical security updates, and you might encounter compatibility problems with certain software or hardware.

### 2. Remain on Windows 10 and Pay for Extended Support

For businesses and organizations, Microsoft will offer paid security updates for Windows 10 for an additional three years following the October 2025 deadline. However, the pricing for these updates will increase each year.

“Subterranean Uprising Revealed in Silo Season 2 Teaser”

# Apple TV’s *Silo*: A Dystopian Tale That Challenges Perception

In 2023, Apple TV+ unveiled an enthralling new dystopian show, *Silo*, inspired by Hugh Howey’s *Wool* trilogy. The series swiftly emerged as a highlight amidst the numerous offerings of streaming television, skillfully intertwining elements of political drama, intrigue, and science fiction into an enticing story. With its intricate narrative and stimulating themes, *Silo* had viewers eagerly anticipating its second season, which is set to deliver even more twists and tension.

## The Concept: A Reality Built on Deception

Central to *Silo* is a haunting question: “What if everything you believe to be true is merely an enormous fabrication?” This question propels the story, as the residents of a colossal underground silo contend with the unsettling possibility that their entire reality may be rooted in falsehoods.

The silo serves as a self-sufficient, below-ground metropolis where 10,000 inhabitants adhere to stringent laws and regulations. Their recorded past spans only 140 years, with the outside realm thought to be a toxic wasteland. The sole perspective of the exterior comes from large screens situated on the silo’s uppermost tier, depicting a barren, unlivable environment. Anyone wishing to “go out” has their request granted, but it’s a lethal fate: they are dispatched outside in a protective suit to clean the surveillance cameras, only to meet their demise shortly after due to the noxious conditions.

Living within the silo is equally regimented. Lifts or advanced technology are absent, and movement across the silo’s 144 stories occurs solely on foot. Women are equipped with contraceptive implants that can only be removed with approval, while the limited computers available are tightly overseen by the IT department, spearheaded by the mysterious Bernard Holland (portrayed by Tim Robbins).

## The Protagonist: Juliette Nichols

At the narrative’s core is Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), a mechanical engineer employed in the silo’s Mechanical division, tasked with overseeing the immense geothermal generator that fuels the silo. Juliette is a clever and tenacious figure, and her odyssey from the depths of the silo to its highest echelons embodies themes of discovery, rebellion, and survival.

The inaugural season commences with the enigmatic demise of Juliette’s partner, George (Ferdinand Kingsley), who had sought out prohibited historical relics. His passing triggers a sequence of events culminating in the murder of the silo’s sheriff, Holston Becker (David Oyelowo), alongside the silo’s mayor, Ruth Jahns (Geraldine James). Holston, prior to his death, appoints Juliette as his successor, catapulting her into a position fraught with power and obligation.

As Juliette probes into George’s death and the broader enigmas of the silo, she stumbles upon a clandestine faction committed to safeguarding history. This group faces systematic eradication by the silo’s leaders, who are resolute in maintaining authority over the populace. Juliette also begins to question whether the desolate scenery beyond the silo is authentic and that the true essence of the world outside its confines is concealed from its residents.

## The Surprising Conclusion: A Realm of Numerous Silos

The first season of *Silo* concludes with a flurry of astonishing revelations. Juliette brokers a deal with Bernard Holland: she will opt to venture outside in return for the truth about George’s demise and the safety of her colleagues in Mechanical. In the season’s climax, Juliette steps into the outside realm, anticipating a vibrant, green landscape, as she had theorized. Instead, she encounters the stark truth: the desolate and toxic wasteland is reality, and the verdant scenery was a fabrication meant to control the silo’s occupants.

However, the surprises don’t end there. As Juliette delves deeper into the external world, she discovers that her silo is merely one among many. In the distance, she spots the remnants of a city and other silos, indicating that the world is significantly more intricate—and potentially more perilous—than she ever envisioned.

## Season 2: What Lies Ahead

The official teaser for *Silo*’s upcoming second season resumes directly from the first, featuring Juliette trudging across the lifeless terrain, human bones crunching beneath her feet. As her oxygen runs low, she manages to discover refuge and survive. The trailer suggests Juliette’s ongoing quest to uncover the realities of the world outside the silo, along with the potential of entering another silo.

Meanwhile, within her original silo, Bernard Holland delivers a fervent address, honoring Juliette as a hero for her self-sacrifice. Yet, whispers begin circulating that she may still be alive, and dissatisfaction starts to simmer among the silo’s population. Juliette’s survival and her resistance against the silo’s regulations position her as a beacon of hope and defiance, laying the foundation for a broader conflict in the impending season.

## Themes of