This week’s Smart Living roundup features a newly launched connected car marketplace, a smart plug compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, and how Insteon pushes forward with its home automation efforts.

Mojio launches connected car marketplace

Mojio, Inc. recently launched Mojio Drive, a connected car marketplace for the Mojio 3G+GPS device. It launched with 20 apps and services that aims to enhance your driving experience. Apps fall into categories such as vehicle maintenance and repairs, roadside assistance, auto insurance, safety and security, and productivity.

Some of the apps that launched in Mojio Drive include Cloak, which is a connected theft tracker; Gauge, which serves as your personal mechanic; and RepairLync, which serves as a digital interface between drivers and repair shops.

You can visit Mojio Drive using any browser on any device, but the connected car marketplace was specifically made for the Mojio 3G+GPS, which costs $149 and is compatible for use with nearly any car manufactured since 1996.

iHome’s HomeKit-compatible smart plug

Joining the smart home bandwagon is as easy as purchasing a smart plug like the iHome Control Smart Plug, which costs only $39.99 on Amazon.com.

What makes it different from other smart plugs on the market is that, aside from being compatible with Android, it also works with Apple HomeKit. This integration allows owners of iPhones, iPads and iPod touch to use Siri in controlling the iHome Control Smart Plug. Plug any device on the iHome Control Plug, such as lamps, fans or humidifiers, and have Siri turn them on or off with the use of your voice.

Insteon launched universal app and partnership

Insteon (SmartLabs, Inc.) launched a universal app that will be included in new Toshiba laptops that will start shipping at the end of August. The app will give Toshiba laptop owners even easier access to their Insteon connected home products and brings home automation closer to consumers.

It also announced that Insteon devices can be controlled using all Logitech Harmony Hub-based remotes, including the Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home, the Logitech Harmony Home Control and the Logitech Harmony Home Hub, via the Logitech Harmony mobile app. Now, you can control your Insteon connected home from the comfort of the couch while incorporating entertainment devices and home automation products from other manufacturers.

Aside from controlling Insteon wall switches, outlets, plug-in dimmers, light bulbs and other connected devices, the integration also allows users to create scenes such as “Movie Time,” which turns on your TV, Apple TV or Roku, and start dimming thier lights, which can be activated by pushing one button on the Harmony remote.

Photo by Eliens (Pixabay)