This article ties in nicely to what we were discussing about technology and the times changing:
"everything from garden products to bathroom appliances will be controlled by the touch of a smartphone. Without setting foot in the door, a person headed home could turn off the security system and turn on the shower, and begin preheating the oven"
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/20/technology/building-toward-the-home-of-tomorrow.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140120&_r=0