Smart Appliances Help Run the House

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

More from the Consumer Electronics Show last week, this time from Boston.com

Grilled chicken was on the menu. The fridge confirmed that it had all the necessary ingredients inside, then signaled the oven to start warming up. I could have watched TV while it was heating — the oven can flash a message on the screen when it reaches the correct temperature.

Other smart devices can be controlled by smartphone, so you could flip on the AC and get the coffee brewing before you got home. Some of these things are already available; a version of the smart fridge the article mentions runs for $3,500. You can already use WeMo devices to remotely control your electronics.

Cool stuff, but a friend of mine used to talk about this Jetsons-esque stuff 10 years ago and really lessened my enthusiasm for the future. He joked about a scenario where a hacker could take over your home and, while you’re sleeping, make all the lights strobe and every device in the home start beeping like an alarm clock.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.