BBC
All kinds of gadgets, from toasters to sprinklers, fridges to domestic heating systems, are now boasting sensors, actuators and low-powered embedded chips.
Whirlpool, Samsung, and LG all have all announced wi-fi enabled washing machines in the last month.
Nest's smart thermostats can communicate with your GPS-enabled phone or tablet and activate your heater when you're on your way home.
There's even a clever egg tray that sends you a remote warning when you're running low on eggs or when they're getting old.
This is the so-called "internet of things" (IoT).