Are you saying that partly why every device is a “smart” device? Because it’s cheaper to fit components with connectivity already built in so you might as well use it?

At embedded world 2024 they pushed IoT for other reasons. They wanted us to do it for security and updates. No more telling users to put a bin on a flash drive and plug it into a hidden port under the coffee maker or something idk, just be Internet connected. I wouldn't ever say it's cheaper materialsb (though ESP32s are very cheap) or upfront labor, but I'm sure it's cheaper on the support side for bug fixes and stuff. And then they can sell your data, too. Never forget that