High-tech science at home

Imagine you arrive at school and realize you forgot to feed the dog. No problem. Pull out your phone and command the dog dish to dispense a serving of food. That's all there is to it - if you live a smart home. What once sounded like science fiction is now a reality for some families. People use smart phones and other devices to lock doors, turn on lights, close window shades, and check to see how much milk they have in the fridge. Find out how this technology works and what the future holds for smart homes.

You probably use Wi-Fi all the time to connect to the internet through your laptop, tablet, or phone. It's easy. Wi-Fi hotspots surround you as you go through your day - from school to a pizza place or coffee shop and then back home. Not so long ago, the internet wasn't as accessible. Find out how Wi-Fi works, how it became commonplace, and what it might do for you in the future.

A virtual assistant by any name - Alexa, Siri, whoever - can be a sweet addition to your home. You might use one for simple jobs like playing music or streaming podcasts. And you might use one to communicate with friends and remind you about homework coming due while helping you make your breakfast. Find out how digital assistants work and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech home.

Whether you're watching a movie, bingeing on a classic TV show, or listening to your favorite song, you're probably streaming it. Videotapes, DVDs, and CDs are mostly just memories now. Streaming puts a world of options at your fingertips when you’re at home and, with a smartphone or tablet, when you're on the go. Find out how streaming was invented, how it works, and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech life.