Apple to control your home

It looks like Apple may be developing the technology that would allow you to control many of your homes devices via your iPhone.

The patent published by Apple this week is described as a "system and method of determining location of wireless communication devices for controlling/adjusting operation of devices based on the location.”

The wireless communication device (in other words the iPhone or iPad) could control “lighting systems, security systems, garage door openers, music controllers, climate controllers, or kitchen appliances” as Apple states.

The patent also mentions a predictive element, meaning your heating could turn itself on if you are taking the same route home from work or even switch the oven onto preheat ready for you to cook dinner when you get home.

Things like turning the lights on, raising the temperature or open the garage door could all be done automatically because your iPhone’s GPS told the system that you were coming home. Any appliance that can connect to an Ethernet or USB device will be able to be controlled this way.

However don't get too excited just yet as this isn't likely to be available for some time...