I liked my old 'rolla that I could start with any key at all.. or even a paddlepop stick.

Every time I start thinking about these little modern inconveniences, I re-arrive at the idea that this is yet another example of the difference between a product and a tool.

A product ideally works the same for everyone, with as little friction to the immediate function as possible. All other functions are hidden or deleted. Trying to use a product as a tool is slow and frustrating, because the experience never gets better than the first time you use it.

A tool on the other hand needs learning. Sometimes that learning curve is shallow and long, like a hammer, or steep and long like CAD.

Smart home stuff can be pretty great if you treat it like a tool, and only use it where it is the right tool for the job (so, not light switches).

Anyway, I prefer tools.