Cut the cord

Wireless technology in the home is nothing new, but some boffins are starting to push the boundaries of what wireless home tech can be. 

Here, we’ve curated a few of our favourite creations – from design stalwarts like Bang & Olufsen through to ambitious start-ups – for a mixture of current and soon-to-arrive gadgets that’ll not only cut down on wires at home, but maximise on functionality.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge 

Among its many wireless creations, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Emerge stands out. Finished with natural oak and pearl-blasted aluminium, it’s designed to complement the books on your bookcases. 

Don’t be fooled by its slender profile – the Emerge emits flawless 180 degree sound, thanks to three state-of- the-art amplifiers, that easily fills a room. You can even wirelessly pair two of them for further depth and immersion. Bookends have never looked so swish. 

£699, bang-olufsen.com

Impulse Series A 

Impulse Labs, a team of designers and engineers in San Francisco, have one green goal: “to accelerate electrification in the home”. This is their first step, the Impulse Series A, a next-generation hob that, Impulse say, will boil water up to 10 times faster than gas equivalents, using a fraction of the energy and rechargeable battery power. 

It’s inspired by the recent performance innovation seen in the electric vehicle market, and applies the same technology to a home appliance that is most commonly powered by gas. This isn’t just a flash in the pan, either. Late last year, Impulse Labs announced its second funding round, raising its total funding to $25m. Expect to see more from Impulse very soon.

Read more at impulselabs.com 

Ariostea Hypertouch

Forget about mundane things like switches, Hypertouch turns ceramic or solid surfaces into pressure sensitive pads, so you can control any electrical device with the brush of your fingers. The Hypertouch device can be installed on walls or horizontal surfaces alike, works with thicknesses of up to 12mm and adapts to multiple material finishes. 

The team behind it are now working on variants that will be able to manage multiple functions like setting temperatures, connecting to devices or even full home automation. It’s still in development, but watch this space. 

Read more at ariostea-high-tech.com

Samsung Jet Bot AI+

The idea of an AI-powered vacuum cleaner might seem entirely unnecessary – until you see one in action. Samsung’s Jet Bot AI+ is one of the most advanced out there, and with its Object Recognition Technology will detect and work around obstructions and furniture, including anything that might be fragile or dangerous.

Add to that the 90-minute runtime and Samsung’s claim that this will capture 99.99 per cent of ‘micro dust’ (what was wrong with regular dust, anyway?) with its five layers of filtration, and you’ve got yourself one serious hoover. It also looks the part, and won’t downgrade the aesthetic of your living room when docked.
£899, samsung.com 

Hay portable lamps

Since day one, co-founders Mette and Rolf Hay have ensured their namesake brand has stood for both quality and approachability. Among its many fun designs, the Danish brand’s range of portable lamps are among the most stylish you’ll find anywhere, perfect for spaces where you want to create some atmosphere, without tripping over wires.

There’s the Pao model, a minimal shape inspired by traditional Mongolian tents, which comes in a high shine polycarbonate finish; the quirky-looking Apollo table lamp, or the Mousqueton, a stainless steel and zinc lamp with an integrated carabiner hook and weather-proof body – ideal for outside. 

From £105, hay.dk