High-tech show leads home life into the future

LAS VEGAS — The ultimate high-tech home would cook exquisite meals automatically — low-fat, of course — and clean up after itself in the blink of an eye while folding a clean load of laundry.

Unfortunately, even the techiest of residences aren't close to that level of advancement. Heck, toast still burns, the washing machine still eats socks and you don't even want to look at the grime on the stovetop.

But there are new gadgets out there that aim to improve the state of the home — and the state of mind of its inhabitants.

Some of them were on display earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show, the annual tech-industry trade show in Las Vegas.

One theme from the show is clear: There are going to be more remote controls to deal with. If only there were a remote that would handle all of the other remotes.

Here's a roundup of gadgets and appliances that might one day hit the domestic mainstream:

• LG Electronics' SteamWasher and dryer. LG's new SteamWasher can use steam to remove odors and wrinkles from clothes without the need for detergent — or it can use detergent for regular washes.

You also can monitor your laundry's progress with a remote device that shows the remaining time on each cycle. That would have been great in college.

The washer is expected to debut midyear at a suggested price of between $1,500 and $1,600.

• The SleepTracker. This device is worn like a wristwatch and monitors your body when you sleep. It's supposed to wake you up at exactly the moment — in a window of time that you set — when you're in a very light stage of sleep. The idea is that if you wake up then, you'll feel refreshed and alert instead of sluggish and groggy. Price: $150.

• The Belkin TuneStage. This device got a lot of attention at the Consumer Electronics Show. It allows you to play your iPod wirelessly through speakers at home within a 33-foot radius.

It comes with a tiny transmitter that plugs into an iPod and a receiver and cable that plug into a home stereo system. It doesn't use batteries and connects using wireless Bluetooth technology.

Belkin says the device is so popular that it's out of stock, but at last check the TuneStage was selling at MacMall for $133.

• The PowerSquid. A regular power outlet strip is best hidden behind a desk or a sofa. It's pretty boxy and ugly.

The PowerSquid surge protector has flexible arms and is designed to be more functional. The "Calimari" model has glowing neon outlets and a rotating plug. It's darn cute, too.

Models start at $50 and are estimated to go on sale sometime this spring.

• The Quatro Freedom. Samsung's new refrigerator has four compartments — and four doors — that are controlled by separate evaporators.

Basically, that means that each one has its own temperature and climate for different items.

The "soft freeze" mode allows for longer storage of fresh meats and vegetables, while another setting stays around 50 degrees for wine chilling.

You can switch the compartments from freezer to refrigerator mode as well.

The refrigerator is slated to be available in February for $3,000.

Kim Peterson: 206-464-2360 or kpeterson@seattletimes.com