It's Not a Stretch

A friend of mine told me today that he has DirecTV and last night when he was channel surfing, a pop-up came on the screen and told him the batteries were low in his remote and he might want to consider installing new batteries. I found that interesting. Technology is getting smarter and smarter.
I could almost see the remote saying "while you're out getting batteries you might want to consider buying some eggs and a fresh carton of milk because the carton in the fridge is six days past the "sell by" date." Further recommendations would include - "don't use the Bank of America Visa, it's maxed out. Be sure and return the overdue library book the air is low in your left front tire."
The remote knows all this stuff because of an artificial intelligence chip installed by the phone company. The device has gotten smart enough to link up the the Department of Homeland Security and it will rat you out to the feds if you don't report the hundred dollars you made selling some old tools at the yard sale; or if you burn a music CD for a friend; or you tear that warning label off your mattress.
I'm telling you, it's not that much of a stretch.