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Since the 1950s, people have watched promotional spots and attended fairs for the "World of Tomorrow" where hidden gadgets rose out of countertops and did everything but cook to serve the food
 automatically, and after a futuristically prepared meal, the housewife would complete her household chores at the touch of a button; then dressed in her shiny future best, she would go out for the evening in a bubble car which operated seemingly by magic.

Well, at this year's Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) in Makuhari, near Tokyo, the future is here and it can be controlled with the device already in the palm of your hand.  More than 600 manufacturers showcased cutting-edge products with inter-connectivity and wireless capability as the central theme.

Manufacturers said more and more items -- from ovens to cars -- were now able to integrate thanks to better wireless technology, offering convenience and the chance to save energy.

One of the highlights is "smart innovation" which connects home appliances -- from washing machines and air conditioners to security cameras at the door -- to mobile devices. "You will soon be able to use your smartphone or tablet PC as if it is a remote control for all these appliances," said Shuji Tomaru of Japanese mobile phone carrier NTT DoCoMo.
"If somebody tries to break into your house, you would immediately know because your phone will receive the information."

Residents, he said, could also use their phone to switch on the air conditioner before they return home or to turn on a washing machine.Other companies showcased products such as rice cookers and bathroom scales which can be controlled and can report data wirelessly.  One of the more useful innovations were medical devices, such as blood pressure monitors, which can report results to medical professionals, or more importantly, as populations age, to adult children caring for ageing relatives.

Japanese car giant Toyota used its first appearance at CEATEC to show off its new Smart Insect car.

These small electric vehicles can recognize their driver and can be programmed only to operate if they know the person behind the wheel.And in a move similar to using the Nintendo Wii, the gestures that are becoming increasingly familiar as the use of tablet computers spreads, the car will do things like open its door at the wave of an arm."The Smart Insect is a car which can communicate with you, your home and society," said Toyota's Shigeki Tomoyama.

"You can tell it what you want by making gestures, and the car understands you and will adapt to your personal style."We like to think of it as a well-trained pet or a friend who understands you very well."
But, most of us are still waiting for the keys to that ultimate futuristic must-have...your very own, personal flying car.