Here are some things you may not have known were available for your home that you can control from your phone.
bobvila.com
GE Profile Series Wall Ovens with Brillion Technology
While they won’t chop the onions and marinate the roast for you, some GE Profile wall ovens are equipped with the company’s Brillion technology, which lets you remotely turn them on, start preheating, and set the timer. On double ovens, you can even control each oven separately—a nice energy-saving feature that makes this appliance an especially fun and functional kitchen addition.
Sonte Window Films
Sonte is currently accepting pre-orders for its remarkable window film that goes from clear to opaque with a swipe of a finger. The film has a series of rod-like particles suspended in a fluid wedged between two plastic layers. When an electric current, controlled over Wi-Fi by a smartphone, passes through the particles, they align to let light pass through. Otherwise, the film is opaque. Welcome to the future.
Whirlpool Washers and Dryers with 6th Sense Live
Whirlpool makes a line of appliances equipped with their 6th Sense Live technology, which is a feature of these “smart” washing machines. Not only can you control all functions of the machine from your smartphone or tablet and set up washing and drying schedules, you can also activate “Smart Nudges and Alerts” that will text you to let you know about problems like low water pressure.
LG Smart ThinQ Refrigerator
Sure, you can run diagnostics and put this fridge into vacation mode from any Wi-Fi-enabled device, but this clever appliance can communicate with you too by sending temperature readouts and coordinated inventory and shopping lists to your phone. Too bad it won’t actually do the shopping for you.
TopBrewer
Danish design company Scanomat has made coffee even more addictive thanks to their TopBrewer machine. All that sits on the counter is a sleek faucet and small metal disk where you place your cup; the rest of the brewing magic is hidden underneath. On your smartphone, just choose the type of drink you want and your sneaky, stainless steel barista will whip it up for you in a jiffy.
OnSpa Wireless Hot Tub Control
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing like a soak in a hot tub. But getting out there to raise the temperature can be a daunting task. Enter OnSpa. This wireless system allows you to use your smartphone to control your hot tub. You can operate the jets, set the temperature, and even stream music through the Bluetooth module. Just be sure to leave the phone outside the tub!
Cyber Rain Sprinkler System
The coolest feature of this irrigation system is its ability to connect to the Internet to check the weather and then adjust your watering pattern accordingly. Cyber Rain works with the sprinkler system you already have in your yard; it just replaces your current controller or timer. And, oh yeah, it can be programmed and monitored with your iPhone too!
Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
Simply install the camera above junior’s crib or bed in the nursery, connect it to your Wi-Fi network and then, from any Internet-connected smartphone or computer, you can peek in on your little bundle of joy—and envy that peaceful sleep. The signal is password protected for security, and the system’s night vision keeps everything visible no matter the time of day.
Tap2Pass Garage Door Opener
B&G Interlock’s first masterpiece was the Flash2Pass, a unique system that enables you to open your garage door by flashing your car’s headlights. Now they’ve come up with Tap2Pass, which lets you open an automatic garage or gate by tapping a code into your smartphone. The system works over Bluetooth, but the inventors are currently developing a system that will use Wi-Fi technology for increased range.
Petnet Pet Feeder
With one of these handy devices in your home, you can not only adjust your pet’s feeding schedule from your smartphone, you can also track your pet’s caloric intake on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and compare these stats with those of similar pets so you can keep your best buddy at his optimal weight. The company is taking orders now for delivery later in 2014.
Friedrich Kühl Air Conditioner
The FriedrichLink Wi-Fi adapter, which works with any Friedrich air conditioner model that contains the letter “N,” allows you to turn units on or off, adjust their temperatures, or set schedules from your smartphone or tablet. The potential for energy savings and increased comfort is incredible—you could, for example, keep your AC low during the day and then crank it up on your way home from work, so you can arrive cool as a smartphone-toting cucumber.
WeMo Crock-Pot (and Friends)
WeMo products from Belkin already allow you to control light switches and outlets with your smartphone. Now the company will be bringing Wi-Fi control to small appliances made by Jarden Consumer Solutions, manufacturer of Mr. Coffee, Crock-Pot, and Sunbeam brands. Stay tuned! By this spring, you should be able to get your kitchen whipping up dinner before you walk through the door.
–Now while some of these make me a little nervous (the systems that let you enter your home with a tap of your finger) there are others that I would love to have like the coffee sink, sprinkler system, light controls and central air options. Which of these were your favorites? Share with us in the comments below.
Leave a Reply