News: Hi-tech electric blanket

When you’re talking wireless remotes and LCD displays, the object referred to is one of life’s many technology-driven entertainment systems.

This time, however, it’s a humble electric blanket, although there’s nothing particularly humble about DeLonghi’s Comfort Range electric blankets.

Innovative features include:

* ‘Turbo 35′ function for those times when you’ve forgotten to turn the blanket on: within 35 minutes the blanket will be cooking away at its maximum heat level.

* Both the wool fleece and quilted blanket version comes with wireless remote controls.

* Digital controls with LCD screen and soft touch buttons.

* Monitoring technology for accurate temperature. The blanket will automatically monitor the ambient room temperature during the night and adjust accordingly.

The retail price varies from $280 to $470.