This week’s Smart World Series features various connected devices that debuted at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, NV.

For those who missed last 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.

Hyundai debuts Blue Link smartwatch app

Hyundai Motors America demonstrated its Blue Link smartwatch app at CES 2015. The smartwatch app will allow users to start, stop, lock and unlock their cars using their smartwatch either via touchscreen or voice commands.

The feature will not only be available for new Hyundai cars, but also next generation models such as the 2015 Genesis, Sonata and Azera, and first generation models fitted with Blue Link.

Read the full story here.

Withings releases Activité Pop

Ahead of CES 2015, Withings launched a cheaper version of its stylish and luxurious Activité smartwatch. Called Activité Pop, it has a price tag of $149.95, and tracks activities such as walking, running, swimming and even sleeping and be woken up by vibrations.

Read the full story here.

Image via Nest

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Nest adds 15 new partners

Nest Labs Inc. announced the addition of 15 new partners to its Works with Nest program which includes Whirlpool Corp., Philips N.V., Kwikset Corp., Ooma Inc., LG Electronics Inc., and others. Some of the new partners already have their connected offerings available in the market while others will be available later this year.

Read the full story here.

4 new sensors in WeMo line from Belkin

Belkin International Inc. introduced new sensors to its WeMo line of connected home offerings that would aims to deliver another level of security for homeowners. The four new devices include the Room Motion Sensor, Keychain Sensor, Door and Window Sensor and Alarm Sensor.

Read the full story here.

Open source tech is key to grow Internet of Things

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Internet of Things is interoperability between connected devices. Many in the industry are putting forth the effort to create a platform to unify all these connected devices.

The AllSeen Alliance which is hosted by The Linux Foundation is just one of these organizations who are working on an open platform so IoT devices can play well with one another.

Read the full story here.

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Sony embraces Android TV

At CES 2015, several television manufacturers announced new partnerships that will deliver a robust and connected experience to consumers. For starters, Sony Corp. announced that it will exclusively use Android TV, while Panasonic Corp. introduced its Firefox OS-powered TVs. As for Samsung Electronics Co Ltd., it announced a new range of TV powered by its own Tizen OS.

Read the full story here.

Lenovo’s VIBE Band VB10: Fitness tracker + smartwatch

Sleek, slim and smart; that’s how one could describe Lenovo Group Ltd.’s new VIBE Band VB10 smartwatch. The Smartwatch has a 1.43-inch E-Ink screen and is able to track the wearer’s activities as well as deliver phone notifications.

The best part about the VB10 smartwatch is that a single charge lasts about seven days, surpassing the battery life of most other smartwatches currently available on the market.

Read the full story here.

The Internet of Dogs: Pet wearables fetch attention

The Internet of Things is not limited to humans, and that trend was quite apparent at CES 2015 with wearable trackers for pets launching at the annual event. First up is the  Motorola Scout 5000 from Binatone North America Inc. that not only tracks your pets but also provides a live video feed of your pet. It also provides a way for you to communicate with your dog via its built-in speakers.

Another pet tracker that debuted at CES this year is the Tagg GPS Plus, which can be used for both dogs and cats. It is an activity and temperature tracker that lets you know if it’s getting too hot for your pet.

Read the full story here.

Image courtesy BWM

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The smartest cars we’ve ever seen

Hyundai wasn’t the only automobile manufacturer to showcase connected car technology at CES this year. Visteon Corp. also demoed its Connected Vehicle Gallery, SmartCore integrated solution, Semper Novus cockpit and driverless roads. And from luxury car maker BMW, we saw new safety and valet features for its future vehicles.

Read the full story here.

What happens when the ‘unconnected’ connect

The Internet of Things is changing our lives, sometimes imperceptible to us. It starts with one’s smartphone, a hub being utilized increasingly for interacting with Internet-connected devices. But how is this futuristic concept being applied to unconnected objects, and does the world even need a fully-connected range of everyday items?

Find out the answers here.

Holistic hubs address more smart home needs

More home automation solutions were unveiled at CES 2015 that makes it easier to manage and control connected devices even when you are out of the house. VTech Communications, Inc. introduced a new line of wireless monitoring devices such as a baby monitor system, a cordless telephone system, an IP hub that provides Internet connectivity to ULE sensors and HD remote-access cameras. The Smanos Smart Home Hub and Dacor Inc. showcased its new Voice Activation feature for its luxury kitchen appliances.

Read the full story here.

Best new apps for Apple HomeKit at #CES2015

Apple may have yet to release its own home automation solution but thanks to its HomeKit platform, it’s allowing others to create solutions that work well with iOS and its virtual assistant Siri.

Some of the HomeKit-compatible devices that made their way to CES 2015 include iDevices LLC’sSwitch, iHome’s SmartPlug, Schlage Sense smart lock, the new Chamberlain Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener with MyQ Smartphone Control and Chamberlain Notifi, Incipio Technologies Inc.’s smart power strip, bulb adapter and outlet, and Insteon’s HomeKit hub and app.

Read the full story here.

Wearables beyond fitness trackers

Wearable technology is no longer just about tracking your fitness activities. At CES this year we saw several wearables launch for a variety of verticals, including Jin Co. Ltd.’s Jins Meme smart glasses that track your eyes’ blink rate to determine when you are getting tired.

Other notable wearable tech that debuted at CES 2015 are NeuroMetrix Inc.’s Quell Wearable Pain Relief Technology and BlueJewelz Inc.’s fashionable connected device.

Read the full story here.

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

Feature image courtesy Hyundai

Television art photo credit: Artiii via photopin cc