Where do I begin to even categorize this? Within 'Augmented Reality', I guess? Well, Microsoft have begun testing their home automation software, dubbed HomeOS, over the past few months. HomeOS can view quite a lot of gadgets, more than you probably think.

HomeOS sees smartphones, printers and air conditioners as network peripherals, all controlled by a dedicated gateway computer. HomeOS even sports some apps, which perform functions such as energy monitoring, remote surveillance and face-recognition. This is all thanks to Microsoft testing the suite out in 12 homes over the past few months.

This list will only grow, and the apps are made available through a portal called "HomeStore". These apps will surely turn into something magical over the years if HomeOS takes off.