Personally, I appreciate the notifications on my phone when the loads are done. Also if you have a washer/dryer combo, they can "talk" to each through Wi-Fi. For example, whatever cycle I run my clothes on through the washer, the dryer automatically chooses the appropriate drying cycle when I turn it on. Nothing game changing, but it's a nice convenience. Plus it's 2021, why wouldn't new appliances be smart? LOL.