As of now, the prospect of upgrading to a smart home appears both too expensive and too complex for the average consumer to manage. However, central hubs coming from companies like Wink are looking to bring all of the unique software together in one easy-to-find place.

A brain-computer interface (BCI) aids in gathering data based on neuro-signals from the brain, including brief but important pieces of information such as a person’s reaction to specific events. Rajini Padmanaban looks at the potential uses of BCIs and whether they should see the light of day.

Microsoft recently showcased a demo of the Skype Translator app. The demo included Skype VP Gurdeep Pall speaking in English with a German employee and the employee responding in her native language. To break the human language barriers, it must first improve upon the system's perceived limitations.