Appliances with Spyware?

Here's an interesting read from the University of Arizona about a possible "advancement in home appliances." I don't think I like this guy's idea very much. Should people you don't know need to know how often you used your appliances or how you use them? While this may seem like a good idea for promoting technology, I view it as just another way for corporations and other outside operations to gain access to "private" information.

Even though I'm not fond of the appliance device he has developed, I do see some potential in his designs for a smarter car and traffic controllers. Everyone in Tuscaloosa could benefit from this idea.