Try the future

Start your own future-ready home

A few easy ways to try everyday future tech at home, plus two books about what comes next. Categories and real titles, linked to an Amazon search; we have not tested specific models.

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Smart home starters

Search on AmazonSmart plugsThe cheapest way to put a lamp or fan on a schedule or voice control. Look for Matter support so it works across apps. Search on AmazonColour smart bulbsChange light colour and brightness from your phone; check which hubs and apps they work with. Search on AmazonA robot vacuumLidar models map rooms; read reviews on how well they handle rugs and cables. Search on AmazonA video doorbellCheck subscription costs and local rules about recording before you buy.

Read

Search on AmazonPhysics of the Future by Michio KakuA physicist's tour of how science could change daily life by 2100. Search on AmazonSoonish by Kelly and Zach WeinersmithA funny, careful look at ten emerging technologies and what could go wrong.

How we pick

We list well-known books and simple, widely sold product types that fit what we cover. We have not been paid to include anything, we do not publish ratings or reviews we have not done, and prices change, so always check the seller's page. Store and booking pages are run by those companies, not by us.

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