Makes sense if there's one nation that dominates economically and/or diplomatically. Like English today, IRL.

Though, if one group does not have such a strong influence, you'd probably end up with something like the "Lingua Franca," a mix of multiple languages spoken by the most relevant nations (IRL, in Renaissance Western Europe that was a mix of Italian, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, etc.)

So Common may not be a proper language at all, but instead be a creole/pidgin of all the other big ones. So characters hearing a language they do not speak might still catch words here and there allowing them to decipher the gist of what was said. Also, Common would most likely be spoken in more metropolitan areas. A backwoods farming town may only really speak their native tongue, save for the mayor or merchants.

"Merge finances" aka combine the family jewels.

Just don't connect smart TVs to the internet. Get something cheap like a raspberry pi + wireless mouse/keyboard or an android TV box for the same functionality. (More functionality, actually)

I got one as a gift. So dumb. Just what a I need in mug: IoT and a charger! /s Plus, I can just microwave a normal mug to heat it back up, but not this. And forget about the dishwasher.

...except now that I've used it. It's pretty fucking nice not having to go over to the microwave when I inevitably forget about my drink. And if I use the charger as a coaster. That battery is always topped up. So, I understand its appeal.

Tl;dr: It's dumb, but it's also actually quite nice. I certainly wouldn't buy myself one, but I enjoy using mine.

My '21 Malibu had it out of the box. I can't speak for Car Play, but wireless Android Auto is 95% flawless. There's that 5% where I get in and the phone won't connect automatically. But I think it's an issue on the phone side. I have to unlock the phone then it kicks in.