One of the most important markets for the tech industry is the connected home, from smart thermostats and lights to security cameras and app-connected door locks. I first wrote about the connected home in 2004; I saw its potential but was concerned about whether these devices had enough processing power and whether our networks could handle all that data. Back then, we did not have smartphones, smart speakers, or standardized wireless protocols that could make the smart home a reality. But I knew the technology would evolve to allow for internet-connected devices, which would most likely connect to a central hub. Initially, I thought the TV would serve as that hub. At the time, Creative Strategies was working with a semiconductor company that specialized in television processors and envisioned a smarter TV. Fast forward to 2018, and TVs are indeed smarter but don't really serve as the home's smart hub. It's clear now that smart speakers fill that role. With a voice interfac...