anoopthefriend
As far as Google's Android is concerned, it's not that 'SAFE' and is more 'OPEN-SOURCE' to handle these vast home applications. Issues of security also arises with certain devices such as the central lock system of the house, etc.
I would like to add something here,
You know,
most almost each & every home appliances uses Opensource software ? There is one wrong belief (or say lack of awareness) among people, that just because it's 'OpenSource' and everyone can gitclone it's codes, it is not secure. Opensource is about 'Freedom' & having control on your tools, what that really mean is; If you buy a product with any Opensource tools in it, you can customize it with your own codes, which gives you more control on your tools, which means more secure! (No surprise why most servers uses Opensource applications)
Now, if you buy Apple's Central Lock System (Just an example), since it's closed-source, you won't be able to add your own codes & won't even know what's inside the codes, maybe a backdoor by NSA ? While in Opensource, if there's any backdoor, it will be easily caught, as entire world can ponder on it's codes.
'Opensource' is more about Freedom (as in freedom to do anything with the software: like removing stuffs you don't want, adding your own excryption codes, adding your own security apps,etc.) & innovation, but it's philosophy is 'Do It Yourself'.
anoopthefriend
I mean, why would a washing machine need internet to get information?
It totally depends upon the level of smartness! If I am in home & I want to control washing machine without touching it, I can do it without internet.
But assume, you're in office (far far away) & you have already filled the bucket of washing machine with cloth & you want it in such a way that when you come home your clothes are washed & drained, how will you do it ? You'll need internet access to communicate with WM, right ? You can use other ways too like : SMS, calls,etc. to make same thing work, but with internet you can get updates of each & every moment in your device, which SMS & call method won't be able to give.
What I mean is, using internet as medium doesn't mean it steals your personal information.