Control this smart candle's real flame with your smartphone

Do you like the thought of smart lighting, but think that LED bulbs are a little too modern? No? Well, LuDela has a compromise regardless. It's introducing a namesake smart candle that has you controlling honest-to-goodness fire with a smartphone app -- the company is even cheeky enough to refer to the wireless pairing as "Wi-Fire" (yes, really). You can light or extinguish the flames of multiple candles at once, complete with scene modes that can get just the right look for that special dinner. There's even a safety measure that automatically extinguishes the candle if it's in danger of tipping over.

The LuDela is available for pre-order at $99, or $50 less than the price it should carry when it ships in early 2017. That's not a completely outlandish price (we've seen far less charming smart lights that cost more), although it's high enough that it might give you reason for pause. Do you really want to recharge your candles' batteries every 5 to 6 months, on top of replacing the wax candles inside? It's wonderful that technology allows control over one of the oldest forms of artificial lighting, but this may be proof that companies are pushing a little too hard in their quest to connect absolutely everything in your home.