Since CES the news have been buzzing about Apple’s HomeKit framework and its possible connectivity issues with other connected home solutions.  First the headline was, if users don’t have Apple TV then they won’t be able to use Siri voice control with their other connected appliances.  And now, the news is if users other connected devices are not Apple MFi certified they will have limited are no access at all or devices that are not certified can connect via a HomeKit compatible bridge solution.

Over the last few years a lot have been said about Blackberry, most about their handset and how it has lost out to the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and other Android based models.  They are currently working on that along with plans to get Blackberry based systems in our homes as part of a connected home solution.

Its no secret that connected car solutions (infotainment) are moving just as fast as those for the connected home. QNX, a Blackberry subsidiary is at the cutting edge of the infotainment sector. This year at CES 2015 they unveiled another concept car (something they have been doing at CES for the last few years) based on the Maserati Quattroporte GTS sports sedan.

Internet of Things Consortium (IoTC) today announced new research that indicates that nearly 65% of American consumers are moderately or extremely interested in adopting a smart home solution, and 71% of those consumers make smart home purchases based on word-of-mouth referrals by friends and family or recommendations made in-store by employees.
 

I remember growing up we had a television that could switch on using just sounds, we found it hilarious that in addition to the device supplied, a hand clap or even someone with a high pitch voice cold do the trick. Those TVs might still be around but time has moved on, we now have many more options including proximity.

British Gas is determined to make the connected lifestyle a norm for its 4 million plus customers, along with the rest of the UK. The company is investing millions into developing and offering its customers added value services via its ‘Connected Home’ initiative.

If you didn't get a Television deal in the Black Friday or Christmas sales then wait because the new BRAVIA televisions coming from Sony this year is worth looking over.  The new range has four new series and 10 new models to choose from with the added benefit, they offer 4k Ultra HD image quality. New features include better access to content and image quality, connectivity with Google Android TV plus direct access to Playstation games.

With four times the resolution of standard HD projector and a price tag to match, the Sony VPL-VW350ES projector offers true 4K HD experience.  Developed using Sony's 4K SXRDTM panel and TRILUMINOSTM technologies, they combine to give deep contrast and fast motion capabilities along with enhanced optical engine design which gives rich color reproduction offering pure, bold colors. It's Motionflow picture technology also delivers clearer images when watching fast-paced, sporting action.

OKIDOKEYS has teamed up with ColorWare, a company specializing in customizing high-end electronics to allow its customers to pimp their locks. The partnership allows ColorWare to sell OKIDOKEYS Smart-Lock directly from their site, allowing OKIDOKEYS' customers to buy devices in their chosen color from a palette of 56 fashion colors or they can send in the Smart-Lock they already own.

You might think that with Philips Hue and all the other smart lighting solutions, you have seen all there is to home lighting but that might by wrong. IGOO, a company with a smartlamp of the same name said they wish to start a revolution on conventional home lighting to take us away from the Thomas Edison era of lighting. With up to 27 categories, the IGOO Smartlamp has a lighting effect for almost every mood you can feel and at the same time protecting the eyes.