Last week we unplugged and disconnected from technology, finding bliss in the simplicity of life unwired.  Today we are celebrating technological advancements as we go back to the future and share with you Five New Home Technologies we are kind of excited about.

Kevo UniKey

Image courtesy of www.unikey.com

For those of us who are tired of fumbling through our keys to get into our homes, Kevo eKey is the perfect solution. An ultimate convenience, a light touch of your lock is all that’s needed. Your smartphone takes the place of the old-fashioned physical key, running the app in the background so you don’t have to turn on the app to access entry. You can send an eKey to anyone, anywhere, anytime. You can also disable and delete access, even controlling the days and time the eKey will be active. If you don’t have a smartphone, a Kevo Fob is available. If you run into any technical glitch, a physical key is available as back-up.

HomeChat

Images courtesy of www.lg.com

It now possible to chat with your home appliances. Wha-at? Not kidding. And not only can you chat with your refrigerator, washing machines, etc.. they can text each other as well! All of this is possible in the new intuitive interface from LG, HomeChat. Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company says, “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.” The smartphone app can allow user to check what is in their refrigerator without even opening the door. Very useful when you’re in the grocery store and didn’t make that shopping list! You can also text your washer to wash your clothes and ensure that laundry is done by the time you get home. If you’re going on vacation, no worries. You can instruct your appliances to go on safe mode until you return.

ELAN g1 Universal Remote

Image courtesy of www.elanhomesystems.com

When it comes to controlling technology at home, wouldn’t it be grand if there was one magic gadget that could allow you to access not just one, or few, but ALL of them? Apparently so. Through ELAN Home System users can gain complete control not just to their televisions and home theaters, but to their entire homes. The versatile ELAN g1 Series features a single hand-held remote control that can manage up to “16 zones of security, two electronic door locks, an audio/video receiver with up to 32 connected TVs, up to 24 lighting keypads, three thermostats, three IP surveillance cameras and up to 16 groups of irrigation”. This can expand depending on your home capabilities or budget. It makes me feel incredibly powerful just thinking about it.

LED Light Bulb Speaker

Images courtesy of www.sony.jp

At home, some occasions call for light… and music (at the same time). You can have the best of both worlds in a brilliant concept – the Sony LED Light Bulb Speaker, which, through Bluetooth, provides up to 360-lumens of app-controlled lighting and integrated speaker system. The bulbs’ brightness and songs can be controlled and played through a smartphone app or a wireless remote controller. The LED Light Bulb Speaker can be placed anywhere lighting is available, providing simple audio installation without the hassle and cost of a complete home renovation. It’s the perfect gadget for creating instant ambiance such as a romantic date night at home.

Tulip Shower + Bath

Images courtesy of www.designrulz.com and www.dornob.com

A luxurious space saving shower & tub in the shape of a beautiful flower? Sign me up! The Tulip, designed by Piotr Pyrtek, takes inspiration from the flower in the minimalist form of bathtub/shower. The flip-down feature makes room for lying down in the bath. It retracts to an upright position, the enclosure prevents splashing and contains steam for showering.  A revolutionary home technology designed for tiny spaces, the Tulip is small but ultra-modern.   The bathtub features underwater jets and massagers.  Patent pending, and not yet available for purchase, but hopefully soon.