This week’s Smart Living roundup features the latest rumors of new connected hardware coming from a well-known, online retail giant; smart homes being equipped with voice assistants; and a switch that’s actually a smart home hub.

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Amazon to make more connected devices

Despite the dismal reception of Amazon.com Inc.’s Fire Phone, the online retail giant is not about to backout of the hardware race. In fact, it’s just getting started. According to a Reuters report, Amazon is ramping up hiring to expand its team for Lab126, its research and development division responsible for its consumer electronics devices.

Amazon aims to increase Lab126’s manpower by 27 percent or about 3,757 people by 2019, and will invest $55 million in its operations, now looking into connected devices for homes as well as wearable tech. According to sources cited in the aforementioned report, Lab126 is testing a WiFi device that could be placed in a kitchen or closet that would allow people to order things from the retail giant such as detergent or fabric softener with a touch of a button. Another source cited by Reuters stated that Lab126 is also interested in wearable technology. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the devices will ever come to market.

Amazon has remained tight-lipped about its R&D division, but spokeswoman Kinley Pearsal stated, “We will continue to invent and create new features, services and products, and to support this innovation. Lab 126 is also growing very quickly.”

Insteon app gets Cortana

Back in July, Insteon, a registered trademark of Smartlabs Inc., announced that it will be adding new features to its Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 apps. The upgrade will include support for Cortana, Microsoft Corp.’s voice assistant, allowing users to control their smarthome using their voice.

Insteon has officially launched the upgrade which, aside from Cortana, comes with Visitor Mode to provide restricted access for children and guests. The update also includes enhanced camera support for users to view multiple cameras at once, and camera support without the need of an Insteon hub. Multi-house support allows users to control multiple locations from a single account, while a new dashboard view extends a quick and organized view of the status of your home.

Wink’s Relay

Wink Inc., a company spun from Quirky Inc., released its second major product that aims to disrupt how people interact with their smart homes. Smart connected devices can be controlled using an app on a user’s smartphone, but Wink knows that people don’t always have their mobile device in hand, thus the need for a hub that also offers remote control.

The Relay hub doesn’t look like other hubs available in the market, but mimics a light switch with a touchscreen panel. It can be placed near your front or bedroom door, or wherever you deem necessary. Relay runs the Wink app which allows it to connect and control other Wink-enabled devices such as smart lights, thermostats, and others. It uses WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbeee to communicate with other connected devices, has temperature, humidity, sound, and proximity sensors, mic for intercom functionality coming soon, and speakers for notifications. Relay is now pre-selling on Amazon for $299.

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