Smart technology: 6 of the best for 2017

From House Beautiful UK

Direct from Las Vegas and the world's largest consumer electronics show CES, we've selected the best in new home tech for the year ahead.

1. Smart Kitchen Bin

GeniCan is a super clever kitchen gadget that clips neatly on the inside of your bin and scans barcodes of empty packaging as you throw them away, before adding the items directly to your Amazon online shopping list.

The scanner recognises thousands of everyday items already (albeit only in America for now) but if the item isn't picked up by the scanner, or doesn't have a barcode, you can simply talk to the GeniCan and it will add virtually anything to your shopping list.

Details: $124.99, www.GeniCan.com

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2. Brilliant Bulb

App controlled smart lighting has nothing on the Beam Projector Lightbulb. This oversized bulb screws into any standard light fitting, and as well as offering remote controlled dimmable LED light, has a projector built-in that can turn any surface into a home cinema.

Beam is essentially a bulb-shaped tablet computer controlled by a smartphone app (Android and iOS), meaning you can project Netflix or YouTube onto the bedroom ceiling, photos onto the dining room wall and even your favourite recipes directly onto the kitchen worktop.

Details: €499, www.beamlabsinc.com

3. Robot Parasol

Artificial intelligence is coming to your patio thanks to Sunflower, a solar-powered motorised smart umbrella that moves automatically to keep you in the shade.

Designed in Los Angeles, where too much sun is more of a problem than on our drizzly shores, the shade also features a built-in security camera, Bluetooth speakers, a microphone for voice control, USB charging ports and lights, all powered via solar panels.

Details: $TBC, Shadecraft.com

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4. Smart Windows

Motorised loft windows have been available for years – some even have rain sensors to protect carpets from unexpected downpours – but a new collaboration between smart home specialists Netatmo and Velux, called VELUX ACTIVE, means you can now control your windows via smartphone.

But remote control is only one of the features; the Wi-Fi connected windows will be able to open and close (even adjust built-in blinds) depending on the temperature, sunlight levels, humidity and C02 levels, so your home can not only be adjusted to the ideal temperature, but air quality can also be improved.

Due autumn 2017, the system will also work seamlessly with other Netatmo products including smart heating controls and home security.

Details: £TBC, www.velux.co.uk, www.netatmo.com

5. Chore Buster!

Last year Laundroid, the clothes folding Japanese robot, had us dreaming of a chore-free future, but the eye-wateringly expensive concept remains unavailable. This year, however, the team behind Foldimate, an $800 home-helper a little smaller than a washing machine, estimates it can fold an entire laundry hamper in three minutes.

Simply hang or clip your clean clothes onto the rack and press the button. Foldimate then pulls the shirt, t-shirt, sweater or trousers into a series of rollers that steams to reduce wrinkles before folding perfectly, ready for the wardrobe. Luxury or lazy, we'll let you decide!

Details: Around $800, www.foldimate.com

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6. Even Smarter Fridge

A trip to CES wouldn't be the same without seeing the latest smart fridge, and top honours this year goes to LG with their InstaView side-by-side fridge freezer. Knock twice on the 29-inch LCD touchscreen display and it turns transparent allowing you to see what's inside without opening the door. You can even add virtual Smart Tags to the food inside to remind you of sell by dates, which should help reduce food waste.

The Wi-Fi connected touchscreen display can also be used as a tablet computer, to display recipes and even play movies, while the fridge is also designed to work with Amazon's Alexa Voice Service, so you can just ask it to add ingredients to your online shopping list, play music, check on the weather, and even order a taxi.

Details: £TBC, www.lge.com

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