Every week we're seeing technology changing the way we have traditionally done things in the home. The rate of change for some products is so fast that new styles/apps/designs are coming out daily. The race is on for bigger and better, smaller and faster or cheaper and more eco-friendly everything.
Some of these gadgets or appliances will not have mass appeal. Like the digital deadbolt, with PIN touch screen and internet connectivity. The deadbolt can unlock from your smartphone, it triggers an alarm and texts you if someone unexpected has opened the door and will lock automatically 30 seconds after you leave the house. Priced at about $215 plus $10 internet monthly subscription this product has limited appeal for the general homeowner.
There are, however, many products which could make your life easier, more organised and keep the costs of running your home down.
Nest Thermostat
This is the next big thing in thermostat tech. The Nest thermostat learns your schedule and preferences and after about a week will adjust the temperatures in your home without you having to lift a finger. The thermostat will sense when you are not in the house and adjust the temperature of your air conditioning accordingly. It's promoted as being able to reduce the heating and cooling cost up to 20%. The system is easily swapped with your current ducted air conditioner thermostat by your air conditioner electrician.
Robot Vacuum Cleaners
These little helpers have been around long enough to become mainstream and offer affordable versions for most households. The better ones have different cleaning modes for different flooring, automatically empty the dust and are programmable so you can set the timer to vacuum when you're not in.
On the tech topic of robots, Ecovacs has just brought out a window washing robot which you can also set to work on your mirrors, shower screens and glass doors.
Hue Lighting
This advanced lighting system from Phillips allows you to change the lighting in your home from a smartphone app. The system combines customised LED bulbs, a bridge (which connects to your modem) and a downloaded app. The LED Hue bulbs can just be used as standard white light but can also create a colourful display, dim, pulse or flash (disco anyone?). Program the system to turn on or off for security when you're not home or just switch off the kid's lights at bedtime from anywhere in the house. Unlike other integrated lighting systems the Phillips Hue is wireless so you can install the system yourself.
Fridge, Washing Machine and Dishwasher
Companies such as Whirlpool, LG and Samsung have enabled you to control your white goods like never before. Whirlpool's 6th Sense Live technology keeps you in contact with your washer, dryer, and fridge from anywhere. If you have ever taken a holiday and spent the whole time wondering if the power has gone off at home and everything in the fridge is getting nastier by the day, this technology is for you. A smartphone app can let you know if the fridge loses power, the dishwasher is finished or your last load of washing is ready to hang out.
Just for the decadent enjoyment of it, Samsung has teamed with SodaStream and produced a fridge which not only provides you with a cool place to keep your caviar, it also delivers still and sparkling water from the door dispenser. Nice.