Smartphones control smart homes at Asia's biggest tech fair

CHIBA —Homes where every device is linked up and can be controlled by smartphone were touted in Japan when Asia’s biggest tech fair threw open its doors. Manufacturers said more and more items from ovens to cars were now able to integrate thanks to better wireless technology, offering convenience and the chance to save energy.

More than 600 companies are showcasing cutting-edge gadgetry at this year’s Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) in Makuhari, near Tokyo. One of the highlights is smart innovation which connects home appliances from washing machines and air conditioners to security cameras at the door to mobile devices.

Panasonic, which has already unveiled rice cookers and washing machines that can be controlled from a mobile phone, was demonstrating bathroom scales and blood pressure-measuring devices connected to the Internet.

Japanese car giant Toyota used its first appearance at CEATEC to show off its new Smart Insect car.
These small electric vehicles can recognize their driver and can be programmed only to operate if they know the person behind the wheel. And in a move aping the gestures that are becoming increasingly familiar as the use of tablet computers spreads, the car will do things like open its door at the wave of an arm.