This week’s Smart World Series features Google’s automation service, a smart cup that knows if you’re drinking Coke or Pepsi, what smart cities need to thrive, and solar roads that powers houses.

For those who missed this week’s Smart World Series, here’s a chance to catch up on the exciting developments in the connected world.  Each week, SiliconANGLE rounds up the top news trends regarding smart homes and cars, smart data centers and IT, smart infrastructure and all things related to the Internet of Things.

Smart homes connected + controlled by smart cars

Google won’t be outdone by Apple. The search giant is said to be planning an automation service aimed not just at mobile and wearable tech, but also connected homes. Dubbed “Nearby”, the tech will have the ability to automate connected devices, for example by periodically turning on a device’s mic, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, so the user can constantly be connected to the Internet. Besides this, it can also be used to automatically turn on connected home appliances when you’re near your home, or switch them off when you leave for the day.

Find out more about Google Nearby in this week’s Smart Living roundup.

Smart, everyday object send covert messages + detect toxins

If you’re trying to lose weight but feel like nothing seems to be working, you might want to monitor what you’re drinking as some beverages are packed with calories. In reality, monitoring your drinking habits seems like a huge waste of time, but Mark One aims to make things fun and easy with Vessyl.

Vessyl is a smart cup that’s able to monitor how much you’ve been hydrating, determine what you’re chugging down, and even tell you how many calories your favorite ‘health smoothie’ contains.

Find out more about Vessyl and a smart hoodie that could one day save lives in this week’s Smart Health roundup.

Smart cities need two things to thrive : People + speedy Internet

There are numerous technologies that can help make cities smarter. These include sensors, smart streetlights, smart grids, but are people really benefitting from them? Are people seeing the value of all these smart solutions? Installing smart technologies doesn’t automatically make a city smart, as they still need to provide value to the city’s residents.

Find out more what municipalities should be focusing on in this week’s Smart City roundup.

Smart tunnels and solar roads pave the way to the future

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could drive wherever you want without needing to refill the tank because you car is powered by the road itself? If you think that’s something found only in sci-fi movies, you’d be surprised to know that the technology already exists and we’ll soon see a prototype parking lot that’s able to charge EVs or even generate electricity needed to power establishments near the parking lot.

If you want to find out more about Solar Roadways, check out this week’s Smart Infrastructure roundup.

Tune in next week for more interesting stories, discoveries and innovations in the world of smart and connected things.

Image credit: Smart Cup via Vessyl