Remote-controlled homes all the rage with mobile gadgets

Now and again we all experience that sinking feeling after leaving the house: did I lock the front door, turn off the iron, start the tumble dryer? Well, worry not – thanks to the trend in home connectivity you can control your living space from just about anywhere. “Today’s smart home is no longer just about entertainment systems – it’s about being connected on every level,” says Hong Kong-based technology specialist, teacher and lecturer Clive Dawes.

The big tech companies are keen to make the smart home even smarter with innovations creeping into every corner of the house. “Both Apple and Google seem set to try and direct the home-control market with apps that manage security, light, temperature and more,”  Dawes explains. He says just this month, at its Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple launched the HomeKit App which effectively turns your iPhone or iPad into a remote control for the home.

If you tell Siri you want to “go to bed”, lights will automatically be dimmed or turned off, doors will lock and your thermostat will be set for the night ahead.

In reality, Apple is jumping on a train that left the station some time ago.

“Fridges that keep an inventory of what’s inside, let you know when food is about to expire, help to write shopping lists and even suggest recipes are par for the course today,”  Dawes explains. “There is even a toothbrush out there that will give you feedback on your brushing method!”