We are surrounded by products that have minds of their own. Computing power, in the form of microcontrollers, microprocessors, sensors, and data storage chips, has become so cheap that manufacturers are building microcomputers and embedded software programs into all types of consumer goods. According to market research firm Databeans, microcontroller shipments worldwide will reach fourteen billion units by the end of 2010 (Databeans, 2009). Along with these chips have come a host of advanced product features and the penetration of embedded product intelligence into daily life.

Everyday appliances can now keep track of how often we use them and remind us when it is time to order new batteries or replacement parts. Alarm clocks get louder and louder, or flash a light if we ignore their morning summons. Coffee pots turn themselves on, grind the beans, and brew our first cup at just the strength we prefer. Mobile phones can download our email, display digital photos, remind us of today's appointments, and let us scan the Internet for breaking news over breakfast. Or we can start the day by listening to music on our iPod, watching the morning news reports on our high-definition television (TV), and setting up the recording of a new television series on the digital video recorder (DVR). If we forget about them in our rush to get to work, our steam irons, coffee pots, and toaster ovens will sound an alert, or simply switch themselves off to save power and avoid overheating.