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New tech lets you control your home from your car

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<b>CONNECTED CAR AND HOME: </b> BMW and Ford both announced they're working on in-car apps that let drivers control smart home devices. <i> Image: AP </i>
<b>CONNECTED CAR AND HOME: </b> BMW and Ford both announced they're working on in-car apps that let drivers control smart home devices. <i> Image: AP </i>

With more home thermostats, lights, locks and appliances linking to the Internet, automakers are working on plans to let you control them from your car.

BMW and Ford both announced they're working on in-car apps that let drivers control smart home devices.

BMW says it's working on apps that allow drivers to "precondition" their homes by setting the thermostat for the right temperature by the time they arrive home.

Personal assistant

The company also showed an i3 electric car linked to a home device that monitors routines, sets routes and starts car functions.

Ford announced that it's working with Amazon to link cars to its Alexa personal assistant. Later in 2016, the company will offer a service with voice commands that can start a car from a home or turn off an alarm system and open the garage door as a driver gets close to home.

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