Ask HN: Why Connected Home Appliances?

Asking for a magazine writer for a feature story about "IoT" connected home appliances. The primary question behind this feature is: “I have to now use an app to operate my washing machine. Why?!”

The feature explores why this is happening, what technology is behind that, and how this trend (?) might evolve as consumers increasingly complain about app overwhelm.

Any pointers to details on how these systems work would be welcome. If you have worked on any of the underlying software, the writer would love to interview you or communicate via email. They have given me some questions they are hoping to answer (see first comment below). Thanks!