Nest announces developer programme

Smart thermostat brand Nest has announced a new developer programme and partnerships with industry leaders including Whirlpool, Jawbone and Mercedes-Benz. By connecting Nest with wearable technology, cars and home appliances, the company hopes to bring about a "conscious home" with appliances talking to each other to seamlessly respond to consumer needs.

Homebuildlife subscribers can read more about the possibilities of the connected home in our CES 2014: Home & Lifestyle report.

Desktop Fireworks by Tomomi Sayuda

Royal College of Art Design Products graduate Tomomi Sayuda has created a range of stationery that bursts into celebration when its user presses a button.

Cars That Feel by Soap Creative

VIVID Sydney "Cars That Feel" Time Lapse from Soap Creative on Vimeo.

For arts festival VIVID Sydney this year, digital agency Soap Creative used lights, sound and visuals to imbue a series of Toyota cars with human characteristics and personalities. Programmed to 'wake up' as the sun set, the cars invited affectionate interactions from passersby - such as hugs and tickling - and responded in different ways.

For more insight on how domestic objects are taking on emotion and personality, subscribers can read our technology report Animated Appliances.

Script collection by Lexon

Alarm clock by Lexon

Lexon's Script collection updates the principles of the 7 segment display - which became synonymous with electrical products during the 1970s and is still popular today - with a new digital font that has an elegant, calligraphic style.

Live from Milan: Smeg launches small appliances

Faithful to the style of the company, Smeg's new collection of small appliances delves back into the 50's. A kettle, slice toaster, blender and stand mixer all feature strong retro aesthetics, but coupled with high performance and the latest technology. The lines are curved and sinuous, the products warm and compact.

Cloudwash: a connected washing machine by Berg

Cloudwash: the connected washing machine from BERG on Vimeo.

London-based tech visionaries Berg have prototyped a washing machine that can order detergent, time a spin cycle to finish just as its owner arrives home, and be operated by app or interface, so that guests can use it too.

Schneider Electric x Mathieu Lehanneur: smart energy

French designer Mathieu Lehanneur was commissioned by Schneider Electric to create a collection of smart devices able to measure and manage domestic energy consumption. With the issue of energy production becoming increasingly real, new regulations are implemented to raise consumers' awareness and encourage individual contribution to the collective energy-saving effort. Insulation and double-glazing are no longer enough.

Hybrid radio by Mathieu Lehanneur

French designer Mathieu Lehanneur has designed a radio half-covered in woven rattan for Lexon. Available in two colours, white and graphite, and two sizes, the radio continues the trend towards natural tactility that we tracked at CES this year.

CleanPot: a washable humidifier

New humidifier CleanPot draws its water supply from the outside, reducing the build-up of bacteria and making it possible to completely disassemble and clean the device.