Apple revealed connected home devices ahead of WWDC 2015

Lighting, window shades, heating and air conditioning, and power outlets are among the functions that can be controlled via a Home app.

Lutron has a Caséta Wireless Lighting Smart Bridge that links up with lights and (Lutron) window blinds.

Insteon provides a Hub, which can connect with and control a range of other devices.

Elegato manufactures the Eve. It monitors energy consumption, door and window use, temperature, humidity and overall air quality.

Alternatively, there's the Ecobee3, a wifi thermostat that comes with a selection of distributable sensors, taking temperature readings from a number of rooms for what is supposed to be a more efficient solution.

And an iHome iSP5 SmartPlug acts as intermediary between any appliance and its corresponding wall socket, turning the unit's power on and off as required.