Smart-home gadgets take center stage at CES

A baby bottle with a GlGl bottle holder is displayed during the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada January 4, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

"True consumer value will come when devices work in concert with one another and in many cases across manufacturers," adds Brett Dibkey, a Whirlpool Corp vice-president. "The home adapts to the way consumers live rather than the other way around."

At CES, Whirlpool will showcase dryers that can run at a slower, energy-saving cycle if you aren't home and thus aren't in a rush. The dryer integrates with Google Inc's Nest smart thermostat, which has sensors to figure out that no one's home and then lowers the heat automatically.

Meanwhile, a smart-home hub called DigitalStrom plans to take cues from Nest. If Nest is trying to cool down the house, for instance, DigitalStrom will lower automated window shades to block out sunlight.

These are the building blocks for an eventual automated home. Once those building blocks are in place, services can better predict what you want. For example, Netflix is already good about recommending movies to watch based on your preferences, but it might suggest something different if it could read data from a wearable device or camera and tell that you're with friends, or stressed out, says Shawn Dubravac, senior director of research with the Consumer Electronics Association.

As we get closer to being able to live like the Jetsons, manufacturers will have to convince consumers that the technology is secure from hackers and that convenience and peace of mind are worth any risks.

Ann Poletti, who now uses the Nest thermostat at her home in San Francisco, said her first apartment burned down, so she is sensitive to making sure all her appliances are off. The Internet of Things would let her check remotely.

"Toothbrushes and ironing boards, one day it will all be connected. I think that's great," says Poletti. "Some people don't want all the data out there. I'm worried about access to my bank account, less so about whether my heat is going on or off."