Pets left hungry as smart feeder breaks Published duration 28 July 2016

image copyright Petnet image caption Petnet advertises itself as an automatic feeder for cats and dogs

Owners of smart pet-feeding device Petnet were told to "feed their pets manually" after a server problem stopped the device from working.

Petnet allows owners to schedule and control feeding via a smartphone app.

Adam Simon, an analyst with research company Context, said it was important users "always had a manual back-up" for smart systems.

"Increasingly, people are becoming dependent on these smart objects, and that could become a problem," he said.

"In this case, your pet could be left hungry."

media caption Technology explained: What is the internet of things?

Petnet, which now says all systems are back online, had previously told customers: "We are experiencing some difficulties with one of our third-party services.

"This is currently being investigated, and we will provide you with more information as we receive it from our partners.

"You may experience a loss of scheduled feed and failed remote feedings.

"Please ensure that your pets have been fed manually until we have resolved this issue."

Customer @alanzeino summed up the frustration of many, with his tweet:

image copyright Twitter

According to Context's latest research, 20% of UK homeowners are considering buying something "smart" for their home in the next year.

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