Peggy Smedley talks about Verizon Wireless’ commercial LTE (long-term evolution) service, which is set to come out later this year, and how the company will be pushing to get many types of connected devices on its network via its LTE Innovations Center. Smedley also discussed the rising popularity of mobile navigation due in part to some companies offering it for free, as well as how this will impact business for stand-alone GPS device manufacturers.;

 

Matt Howard, founder and CEO, ZoomSafer Inc., talks about how his company’s software helps drivers avoid being distracted behind the wheel by suppressing text messages and phone calls they receive while driving. He also shares the compelling story of what first brought his attention to the issue of distracted driving.;

 

Jim Bak, director of community relations, INRIX Inc., discusses the realtime traffic information that INRIX collects and provides to its customers as well as who some of those major customers are and how they are using the technology. He also talks about some of the trends he sees going forward in the market for location-based services.;

 

Smedley and Mike Carrozzo, chief editor, M2M magazine, discuss a recent lawsuit filed by a couple in Texas, claiming their energy bills increased drastically after the utility company installed a smart meter at their home. They also talk about similar complaints that have been coming from consumers in the same part of Texas as well as part of California, and what the utility companies who deployed the smart meters are saying in their defense.