HOW TO BUILT THE ULTIMATE tECH HOME

Scenario #1 You want a single app-controlled security cam
The most cursory of Google searches will reveal that there are several home security cameras out there. Most also have rich forum threads attached, where people swap advice on how to get them working properly. Not so the Belkin Netcam HD Wi-Fi (£100, belkin.com/uk): you merely download the app to your iOS or Android device, then view the feed from the camera on your phone’s screen. There’s no motion sensing, but it does have infrared illumination for dark rooms, and you can save its video to your device. Effortless.

Scenario #2 You want a smart, expandable home security system
Of all the emerging new wave of easy fit-and-forget systems, Piper(from £520, getpiper.com) is one of the neatest. You can fit it with plug-and-play wide-angle cameras, then set them up IFTTT-style to perform different actions depending on what they see, or hear. They also measure temperature and humidity and can be combined with wireless Z-Wave accessories such as door sensors or smart switches, so you can get sit back safe in the knowledge that your house is secure. Not that you can afford anything worth stealing anyway.

Scenario #3 You want a next-gen smoke alarm
Smoke alarms: for ten minutes of your life, they're indispensable. For the remainder, they're either mute, or unnecessarily loud and annoying. Nest, known for its net-connected thermostats, has made a smarter smoke alarm. If the Nest Protect (£110, nest.com) detects smoke or carbon monoxide, it'll speak its worries out loud, giving you a chance to silence it with a wave if you’ve merely burnt the roasties. It'll glow if its batteries are dying, rather than chirp annoyingly, it’s smartphone connected and even acts as a nightlight if it sees you staggering around in the dark.

INCOMING
Smart security gizmos will rule 2014. Well, in so much as a low-key white box can rule anything. Look out for these soon.

Ninja Sphere
These thingternet pioneers have gone up-tech with a device that interacts with your other gadgets.
ninjablocks.com

Canary
A one-box sensor that keeps an eye on your house using audio, video and movement. Due summer 2014.
canary.is

SmartThings
A wireless hub that sends info on your home to your phone. Works with third-party wireless doodads.
smartthings.com