The refrigerator was chill, until the big LED lights inside decided to revolt. You never knew what they’d do when the door was opened. Sometimes a low, gentle wave of light, which was calming.

It’s the time of year to ponder self-improving resolutions, and I find myself consulting one of my favourite 87-year-olds: the visionary author Stewart Brand. But if Brand is right, perhaps ...

For many years, the phrase “smart home” sounded like a glimpse into a distant future — a world of voice-controlled assistants ...