Technology is always developing at a fast pace. As consumers demand more from manufacturers, design and science continue to evolve at an astronomic rate. Sometimes this leads to breakthroughs which have considerable implications for human life. Sometimes these advances can be more subtle, making small and everyday tasks that bit easier.
Of course, some advances are neither helpful nor spectacular, but we still desire them.
What’s new?
One of the areas which has seen a real surge in development over recent years is home living. Consumer electronics and appliances have suddenly become intelligent, blending more seamlessly into our everyday lives.
Nowhere is this technological tidal wave more apparent than in the kitchen. The kitchen is a space which has changed a great deal in modern times. In days gone by, the kitchen was purely a room of utility. Here, food would be prepared and washing would be done - nothing more. This is evident upon entry to any sizeable home which pre-dates the early 20th century. While most rooms of the property were spacious and decorative, the kitchen would remain humble and bland - a space fit only for the servants.
Today's kitchens are a different story entirely. Our society has evolved beyond the use of servants and the act of cooking has been promoted above chore status. The result is that many of us take pride in our kitchens, and indeed spend a good deal of time in them. It seems a foregone conclusion then that we should be looking to pack our kitchens full of technology.
The Wi-Fi kettle
Enter the latest addition to the kitchen's 'tech shelf' - the Wi-Fi kettle.
Most of us use wireless networks in our home and indeed most of us use a smartphone of sorts. Appliance designers have picked up on this and are looking for ways to utilise these tools to make kitchen appliances better. The Wi-Fi kettle is a great example of how we can use this tool.
As you'd expect the Wi-Fi kettle is able to connect to a local network. The idea is that you will be able to control your kettle using your smartphone. If you're keen for a cup of tea to wake you up but don't fancy the idea of standing around waiting for the kettle to boil, this allows you to get the water heating from the comfort of your bed.
Not only does the kettle and accompanying app allow you to control the kettle at will, but it is also capable of making prompts. When you wake up in the morning to your alarm or when you arrive home from a long day out, the app can ask you if you'd like the kettle to be switched on. There are few things in life more relaxing than being offered a cup of tea at just the right moment, and the iKettle can make this happen.
In addition to the impressive remote technology, there are other great models which fall into the best kettle category. Even something simple and straightforward can brew up a storm in busy households.
The smart appliance trend
The iKettle may be the first to make use of Wi-Fi, but it is by no means the first modern kettle. Buyers can expect to see rotational bases, water level indicators and anti-limescale filters come as standard on a kettle today. Kettles are both quick to boil and energy efficient, following a wider trend within the market for kitchen appliances.
Whether you're looking to buy a washing machine, dishwasher or a fridge-freezer, you can be sure that the energy rating will be top of the features list. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact that their daily lives are having on the environment, manufacturers have been pushed to offer energy efficient options.
This is also great news for consumers who are keen to keep the cost of their energy bills down.
Other kitchen appliances are also connecting to our wireless networks. Some time ago, the first smart fridge was announced. This was able to remember its contents and place orders for products which the owner wanted to buy again. The touch display could also connect to a recipe database online and suggest meals to be made with the various ingredients which were sitting in the fridge.
The future looks good for the kitchen and the iKettle is just the beginning of a technological revolution in the home.
