# 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
