Re: According to recent Gartner data,
"but why would the toaster need to talk to the 'fridge?"
Use case:
User: Opens toaster to remove toast.
Cat: Jumps on counter.
User: String of swear words ensues.
Toaster Listening: Maybe toast is burnt, reduce toasting time setting.
Fridge: Maybe user burnt fingers, dispense ice immediately.
Sink Tap: Turn water on for first aid assistance. Oops, sprays cat.
Cat: Panics. Jumps on user, grips with claws.
User: Leaves kitchen for work still swearing.
Security System: Sees all. Master clearly hates cat - remember.
Dishwasher: Confused, was it something I did? Why am I here?
Security to Fridge: Open door.
Cat: Sees tasty morsel. Yum!
Security to Fridge: Close door.
...
User: Comes home to a frozen cat dinner.
And the world is a better place.