smart plug

The other day we told you about upgrading your power sockets into “smart” plugs, but how about updating the actual design of the socket? Node, a concept design for futuristic wall units might replace not just normal sockets, but also the need for surge protectors. Included in the promotional photos are hinged plugs, allowing for the maximization of space. I can’t wait to see the version of this for 3-pronged plugs or any number of foreign plug configurations.

If a plug and socket could communicate, what would they say? Would they discuss how much energy is needed to power a device? Would they tell each other when there’s a risk of an overload? Would they prevent themselves from being used improperly? At John La Grou’s recently released TED presentation, he explains the benefits of his big idea: an ingeniously simple way of getting a plug and socket to talk to each other.