Why shouldn't your phone be able to talk to your washer or your robot vacuum? Long the stuff of science fiction, emerging technology is helping form an "Internet of things," connecting devices in the home to create a more seamless, hands-off lifestyle.
The Internet of things —
Why shouldn't your phone be able to talk to your washer or your robot vacuum? Long the stuff of science fiction, emerging technology is helping form an "Internet of things," connecting devices in the home to create a more seamless, hands-off lifestyle.
courtesy lg
<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnest.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Nest</a> is billed as a smart thermostat that learns from you. Over time, the easy-to-install device finds out about your domestic patterns and adjusts to maximize both comfort and energy efficiency.
Nest —
Nest is billed as a smart thermostat that learns from you. Over time, the easy-to-install device finds out about your domestic patterns and adjusts to maximize both comfort and energy efficiency.
The <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F10%2F08%2Ftech%2Finnovation%2Fnest-protect-alarm%2F">second product from Nest</a>, released in October, is a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector that alerts your phone or other mobile device when it's triggered. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2014%2F01%2F15%2Ftech%2Finnovation%2Fgoogle-connect-home-nest%2F" target="_blank">Google purchased Nest</a> in January for $3.2 billion.
Nest smoke alarm —
The second product from Nest, released in October, is a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector that alerts your phone or other mobile device when it's triggered. Google purchased Nest in January for $3.2 billion.
courtesy nest
How about a <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2014%2F01%2F09%2Ftech%2Finnovation%2Fsmart-toothbrush-kolibree%2F" target="_blank">connected toothbrush</a> that reminds you to brush, or rats out your children when they don't? From Kolibree, this brush also sends notifications to your phone.
Smart toothbrush —
How about a connected toothbrush that reminds you to brush, or rats out your children when they don't? From Kolibree, this brush also sends notifications to your phone.
From Kolibree
Emerging technology from several automakers promises<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Finteractive%2F2014%2F02%2Ftech%2Fcnn10-future-of-driving%2F" target="_blank"> vehicles that can communicate</a> with each other about weather, traffic and road conditions and, more urgently, warn each other when a wreck is imminent.
Connected cars —
Emerging technology from several automakers promises vehicles that can communicate with each other about weather, traffic and road conditions and, more urgently, warn each other when a wreck is imminent.
U.S. Department of Transportation
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2014%2F01%2F17%2Ftech%2Fgaming-gadgets%2Fattack-appliances-fridge%2F">A smart refrigerator </a>on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show this year in Las Vegas. The fridge is a favorite item among connected-home advocates. For example, it can detect you're at the grocery store and text you that you're out of milk.
A smarter fridge —
A smart refrigerator on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show this year in Las Vegas. The fridge is a favorite item among connected-home advocates. For example, it can detect you're at the grocery store and text you that you're out of milk.
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
The <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F12%2F30%2Ftech%2Finnovation%2F14-kickstarter-projects-2014%2F" target="_blank">Ninja Sphere </a>allows you to control your environment and keep track of the things in your life. It can connect devices and pet trackers and monitor them in your house. The Ninja also monitors temperature, lighting and energy usage so you can turn appliances off when not in use.
Ninja Sphere —
The Ninja Sphere allows you to control your environment and keep track of the things in your life. It can connect devices and pet trackers and monitor them in your house. The Ninja also monitors temperature, lighting and energy usage so you can turn appliances off when not in use.
courtesy Ninja Blocks
A connected air-conditioning device, Quirky's <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quirky.com%2Faros" target="_blank" target="_blank">Aros</a> learns from your budget, location, schedule and usage to maintain the perfect temperature and maximize savings for your home.
Aros air-conditioner —
A connected air-conditioning device, Quirky's Aros learns from your budget, location, schedule and usage to maintain the perfect temperature and maximize savings for your home.
from quirky.com
Who takes better care of you than mom? The <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsen.se%2Fstore%2Fmother%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Sense Mother</a> comes equipped with a set of sensors that monitor your sleep, exercise and other habits while turning ordinary devices into part of your connected smart home.
Sense Mother —
Who takes better care of you than mom? The Sense Mother comes equipped with a set of sensors that monitor your sleep, exercise and other habits while turning ordinary devices into part of your connected smart home.
Heather Kelly/CNN