According to GBI Research’s report Smart Cities Market to 2017, smart cities will double by 2017.  Smart cities are those that have digitalized their systems to be able to “respond intelligently to the needs of their jurisdictions.”

The boom in smart cities will be fueled by a number of factors, one of which will be the emergence of more smart homes, or homes that “uses various tools to make its inhabitants’ lives easier, more comfortable and more efficient, with a minimal impact on the environment.”

With that said, we bring you this week’s smart home roundup.

Zonoff raises $3.8M Series A funding

The growing consumer interest in smart homes has gained investor attention as well.  Zonoff, Inc., creators of the Zonoff Connected Home Platform, announced that it closed a $3.8 million Series A funding in a round led by Valhalla Partners and Grotech Ventures.

“We’re excited to reach this next milestone in our progress,” explained co-founder and CEO Mike Harris. “This investment validates our approach in building a software platform for our channel partners, who are typically large consumer-facing companies that have deep and trusted ties with consumers.”

This round of funding will be used to help Zonoff scale it’s technical team and infrastructure in order to support ongoing customer growth with retailers, service providers and device makers on a worldwide basis.  The Zonoff Connected Home Platform consists of Home, Cloud, and App software, and powers everything from entry level point solutions to comprehensive home automation, remote control, energy management, and safety monitoring.

HGTV smart home sweepstakes

Cable TV channel HGTV recently revealed its first ever smart home in Jacksonville, Florida.  The HGTV smart home features today’s technologies incorporated in the house which can all be controlled with an iPad.  The best thing about the HGTV Smart Home is that it’s up for grabs.  Just register for the HGTV Smart Home 2013 Giveaway here.  The only requirements to enter the contest is that you’re a US resident and is at least 21 years old.  If you win, aside from the kickass smart home, you’ll also be given a 2013 GMC Terrain Denali and $100,000, courtesy of Quicken Loans.  If you’re not ready to move into a smart home or you just want cash, you can choose this option and receive $600,000 plus the cash equivalent of the other prizes that totals to $741,615.

SolveForce introduces new line of smart choices in NY

Online solutions company, SolveForce, is bringing a new line of products in New York to help homeowners live protected and hassle-free lives.  New Home Security and Alarm Monitoring Solutions, Smart Home Energy Automation, Home Lighting, Smart Thermostats, and Home Security Locks will be available throughout all the counties in New York.  The said products will help NY homeowners enjoy a much simpler life using home automation, energy management, home security, and solar energy.

On a more personal note…

Durex has created “Fundawear,” a line of intimate apparels such as panties, bras and briefs, embedded with tiny vibrators that can be controlled by your iPhone via a companion app to give long distance lovers a more interesting skype session.  The companion app helps you “touch” your partner in their intimate areas so he/she will feel like you’re actually touching them.  Fundawear is still in its experimental stage but if you wish to be one of the early testers, head on to Durex’s Facebook page and tell them how you would use it with your partner.