FANCY LIVING/AUTOMATED BUILDINGS – FLAB!

I got a postcard last night, advertising a home that will be on the Twin Cities Charade, I mean Parade, of Homes this spring. “Traditional on the outside, but features cutting-edge renewable energy and home management systems inside,” gunning for that unobjectionable bungalow meets farmhouse meets Craftsman story-and-a-half sweet spot. OMG, geothermal! I’ve heard that’s green! Striving for charm with lots of roof dormers and valleys for the snow to pile up.

What really caught my eye was the Apple iPhone Managed Homes seminar on the back (disclaimer: we’re almost an exclusive Mac shop here.) Get some apps and put that smart phone to work managing your home’s audio and video, security, lighting controls, and much more. I would like to know if I could get an iPhone to control the nightlight, integrated washlet, and heated seat on a TOTO Neorest toilet. Now that would be hands free.

Does anyone else see the irony of the increasing reach of technology brought to us by the same people that so sternly preached about the dangers of sedentary living and disposable culture in Wall-E?

What crucial job would you like your iPhone to tackle next?