Some appliances are getting smarter. Whether it is setting a wake-up alarm by telling the telephone when you wish to wake up or putting on the washing machine by simply pushing a "soft-touch" button, the choice is yours.

Other "smart" air-conditioners will keep the inside of the house a constant temperature but use less power if you are not home.

Or you might fancy being lowered into a warm spa or the pool by an electronic bath-seat or hoist.

Also, you can now get beds that are power-driven and can turn and move to suit you. All at the press of a button or by voice control.