Peggy Smedley talks about some recent news from GE regarding connected appliances, including GE’s recent ZigBee Smart Energy certification for its appliances, which will be connected to the smart grid. She discusses the importance of smart meters in enabling consumers to reduce their energy consumption. Smedley also talks about Eco-Way, a portable navigation device that monitors whether a vehicle is being driven in an eco-friendly manner.;

 

Cheryl Blum, vice president for technology and standards, TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association), discusses TIA’s TR-50 committee and the role it plays in developing standards for smart device communications. She also describes some of the biggest challenges TIA is seeing in the industry in regards to standards development. Blum also talks about some of the types of members who make up the TR-50 committee.;

 

Casey Pittock, president and CEO, Wellcore, talks about the company’s automatic fall detection system and how it can detect if a senior citizen falls as well as send help if needed. Pittock also talks about how caretakers can monitor people’s movement patterns via an online dashboard to help determine their condition, and how the Wellcore system can be used on-the-go as well.;

 

Smedley and Mike Carrozzo, chief editor, Connected World magazine, talk about some of the auto manufacturers who are releasing smartphone applications to give drivers more access to in-vehicle functions even when they are outside of the vehicle. Some of the major manufacturers with smartphone applications that were discussed include GM, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Some of the features these apps give drivers access to include roadside assistance, the ability to lock and unlock their doors remotely, and directions to the nearest dealership.