Picture the scene — you return home and the temperature rises, the lights go on, and your oven heats itself in preparation for dinner. You didn't have to lift a finger; it happened because your iPhone's GPS told it you had come home.
It may be a while in coming, but that's the future suggested by an Apple patent published Tuesday. The patent describes a "system and method of determining location of wireless communication devices for controlling/adjusting operation of devices based on the location."
See also: Control Your House From Your Smartphone With Revolv for iOS
What kind of stuff would your iPhone — er, wireless communication device — control? "Lighting systems, security systems, garage-door openers, music controllers, climate controllers, or kitchen appliances," says the company. Built into the patent is a predictive element, so your house lights might turn on if you're walking the way you usually walk home. If you open your bedroom door in a hurry at 2 a.m., there's a fair chance you'll want the bathroom light turned on.
Of course, the problem is getting your appliances to connect to the network in the first place. Apple's system doesn't rely on your buying a new Wi-Fi-enabled washing machine or fridge, however; anything that can connect to ethernet or a USB device can be controlled this way. We predict a healthy aftermarket in appliance hacking.
Image: Flickr, Fred Cintra