2014 will herald the Internet of Things as home automation goes mainstream

Home appliances are all getting smarter, and more connected as mobile phone-controlled door locks, lighting, and heating are finding their way into people's houses. And it will go even further, in the form of thermostats that can sense when someone is home, smoke alarms that can be turned off with the wave of a hand, and customizable LED lighting that can change color and intensity on a whim. We're seeing sensors that can be attached to most anything that will alert owners if the object has been moved or switched on, washing machines that can be controlled from afar and even toys like KittyO that let you play with your homebound pets from the comfort of your office desk.