When you really think about it, the “off” switch is downright outmoded. Lights in distant rooms, Christmas decorations, an empty beer fridge, an air conditioner -- all these things need to be turned on and off manually. Timers and thermostats can help, but what if you’re completely out of the house? You're spending money for performance you’re not using.

The Plogg aims to fix this problem by giving you the ability to remotely power on and off any device you plug into it. By setting up a Bluetooth network between your PC, a series of specialized plugs and your smartphone or PDA, you can monitor power consumption, and, if you feel so inclined, cut the power.

Similar technologies have been used for years in computer labs, through software like remote desktop and the development of “magic packets” to wake sleeping computers. While a Bluetooth network -- with its limited range, greater vulnerability to interference and irritating passcodes -- seems somewhat inferior to WiFi or other local area networks, the lower power consumption of Bluetooth devices could add to the savings.

The name recognition and wider implementation of the Bluetooth standard in the marketplace might also speed consumer uptake of the new technology.