The Wall Street Journal explains that smaller electrical device makers in the tech sector are all deeply uncertain as to how they will be impacted, but many might attempt to convert customers to subscription-based services. Software is cheaper and easier to import than hardware, after all – plus, you know, personal data appears to have become the new gold in this digitally-connected age. Privacy needs fighting for, and is being lost, one unread but accepted usage agreement at a time.
Even products assembled in the US are not immune. That’s because while assembly may take place there, many of the components and rare earth elements used in them come from abroad; that means they will be liable to some tariffs.
There might be some benefits
To some extent, there may be some positives. The smart home industry has been characterized by deep fragmentation, which led to the existence of a multitude of connectivity standards, most of which have now been brought together within the all-encompassing Matter/Threads partnership.
Read the full article here
