The first smart gadget to hit the shops is expected to be a Web-connected refrigerator. The fridge will keep a record of the items stored inside it. Users would be able to log onto the device when they are out of the house -- perhaps from work or an Internet cafe -- to find out what food they already have.
Quoting company sources, Japanese Web site Asahi.com claims the fridge could be on sale as early as April 2002.
Toshiba is also thought to be developing other Internet-enabled home products, including a microwave and an air conditioning system.
