From flexible TVs to futuristic materials, our houses are getting smarter by the minute. Smart home tech is now so advanced and seamlessly integrated that we have curtains cleaning our air and robots sweeping the floors, as well as voice-activated hubs like Alexa and Google Home giving us more control over our environments than ever before. Step this way into the future; it's already here...

Created by the engineering experts at Ford, this hi-tech kennel uses the same technology that masks noisy engines to reduce scary noises like fireworks to a dog-friendly level. The kennel is still only a prototype, with no release date or pricing announced yet. But surely no pooch palace will be complete without it?

Heatworks have launched an 'instant' kettle, that heats water as you pour it. The clever kettle filters water as well as boils, and graphite heating elements will keep it scale and rust-free forever. Heatworks plans to launch its model by the end of the year for under £166 ($200).

IKEA's Gunrid curtain is coated with a mineral-based surface that breaks down common pollutants as light shines through it. It works with both natural and artificial lighting, designed to help fight our growing air pollution problem. The Gunrid line will be available in IKEA stores next year.

Budgee is a robot assistant that follows you around and helps you carry your things. The smart bot can carry up to 22.6kg and can be used outside as well as indoors. Budgee is currently on sale for £165 ($200) and with its friendly face, who wouldn't want one to help cart the shopping in?

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Phillips recently released a new version of their popular smart bulbs. The new Phillips Hue lets you control your lighting straight from your phone. Functions range from colour control to dimness, depending on the model. Prices range between £12- £20 ($15 - $25) for white bulbs and £41 ($50) for a colour changing bulb.

The LG Smart Instaview has an integrated screen that allows you to check the contents of your fridge without even opening its doors. Never miss an item on the shopping list again with its integrated smartphone app, which allows you to peep into your fridge while you’re out doing grocery shopping. If you happen to own an Alexa, you can sync up your fridge with Amazon’s voice-controlled system to order your grocery shopping online from the comfort of your kitchen. Get yours for £7,000 ($8.6k).

Schedule your laundry times with more efficiency by washing your clothes with the LG Sidekick’s compact washer. A smaller washer is located beneath the main washing machine, for fewer items that can’t wait until the next big load. The LG Sidekick is great for washing clothes that you get through most often, such as underwear, socks and gym kits. Own your own LG Sidekick for £2,139 ($2.6k).

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Technology has just outdone itself. Integrated with Alexa, iKettle allows you to brew the perfect cuppa from the comfort of your own bed. Get your iKettle to heat up water to whatever temperature you desire and command it to keep your water warm for as long as is needed. iKettle can be set to boil at certain times of the day, ensuring a cup of tea is ready to be poured at the start of a busy morning. Brew the perfect cup of tea for £114 ($138).

Compoz is a smart diffuser that allows you to create and customise your own unique scents for your home. With up to five cartridges of natural essential oils from Artiris Parfum, using base notes such as sandalwood and rose, you use the app to alter the levels of each separate ingredient according to your mood. RRP is around £700 ($865).

Wink Bright is a smart light control system that adjusts brightness by syncing itself to sunrise and sunset times. Lights are automatically switched on and off according to when it gets lighter or darker. It also serves as a security device by switching your lights on at realistic times when you’re not around for prolonged periods of time. Nab yours for £99 ($119).

Ensure your front door is securely locked and remains that way throughout the day with the August Smart Lock Pro +. This nifty security gadget controls and tracks who enters and leaves your property by sending notifications to your smartphone whenever it senses movement through your front door. Keyless access can be granted to family members and friends, meaning you no longer have to worry about lost or copied keys. Nab one for £232 ($279).

Turn your security up a notch with the August Doorbell Cam Pro, a smart device that can see who’s at your front door even when you’re not at home. A two-way app system allows you to welcome your guests before they’ve even reached the door and is handy for spotting unwanted visitors. Not only that, the August Doorbell Cam Pro integrates with the August Smart Lock Pro, ensure safe and smooth entry each and every time. Keep your home safe for £165 ($199).

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The Moxie Showerhead pairs your smart device to its wireless speakers via Bluetooth technology to deliver up to seven hours worth of music with crystal clear sound. Their classic showerhead features 60 angled nozzles that deliver a powerful spray, while the rain head version features 80 nozzles for an all-encompassing spa-like treatment. Sing in the shower with pride for £179 ($216).

One of the smartest gadgets you’ll see in a long time, the U by Moen’s shower technology gives you to the option to fully customise your showering experience to the most minute detail. The electronic shower control allows you to set different water temperatures for your morning and evening showers, while a smartphone app gives you the option of turning on your shower before you enter the bathroom. It could be yours for £1,016 ($1,225).

We’re loving the idea of having a personal beauty consultant, but how about a smart device that acts as a personal stylist? Amazon Echo Look combines a state-of-the-art camera with smart technology to help you put together the perfect outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for the party of the year or hoping to make a good impression at that all-important interview, you can ask Amazon Echo to help you make those tricky fashion decisions every single time. It's yours for £165 ($199).

The Nuki Opener gives you keyless access from the street to your apartments via an app, making letting people in a lot easier. The system connects to your building intercom and triggers the door when activated and works remotely too, perfect for the busy Airbnb host.

Homes of the future: what can we expect?

PepsiCo has taken the eco-friendly trend to the next level, launching a drinks machine to cut back on single-use plastic. The machine has an ‘integrated hydration platform’  that allows you to choose from a variety of non-branded drinks, and customise it to your tastes, such as the sweetness, sugar content and temperature. A price hasn’t been determined yet, but PepsiCo is planning to launch the machines at schools, workplaces and other public places soon. So why not get one in your games room?

Gone are the days where art will take up a lot of wall space. Using smart sensors, Meural II can switch between over 30,000 artwork and images, including designs from Banksy to the Mona Lisa. With interchangeable frames and a rotational mount for portrait or landscape mode, it’s the perfect home addition for any art lover. It's on sale now for £600 ($741).

Sprinkler systems, although vital, can be pretty damaging to any building. Plumis has found a solution with their Automist Smartscan sprinkler, with a built-in heat sensor that releases a targeted high-pressure burst of water to douse the flames depending on the heat. The eco-friendly device even uses 90% less water than your average sprinkler and the price varies depending on your building requirements.

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This gizmo is just as fun as it is useful. Furbo is an interactive dog camera that allows you to watch over, communicate with and give treats to your pets when you’re not at home. The smart device’s barking sensor sends push notifications to your smartphone whenever it detects barking, while a night vision camera allows you to keep up with your pup day and night. Treat your pooch for £264 ($318).

You’ve heard of smart TVs and smart fridges, but how about a smart bed? Hi Interiors have created the dream bed for all your Netflix needs. The Hi Can bed is equipped with state-of-the-art tech that not only comes with its own 4K HD projector and 70” surround sound screen, it also keeps track of your sleep patterns and your favourite positions to snooze in. The luxury bed has a starting price of around £13,600 ($16.8k) and can be pre-ordered now.

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