This week’s Smart Living roundup features one company’s plans for connecting your old refrigerator to the Internet, news of a giant chip maker acquiring a semiconductor company for its push into the Internet of Things (IoT), and a 360-degree smart security system with home automation capabilities.

GE to connect old refrigerators to the Internet

According to reports, GE Appliances is working with Wink to update the hardware and software of some of its old refrigerators. GE will be sending out 20,000 Wi-Fi modules, or GE Connect boxes, that would let consumers who own older GE refrigerators connect them to the Internet via the Wink Smart Home system.

Though this may sound great news, only those who own GE refrigerators bought after 2009 with RJ45 ports will be eligible for the upgrade. RJ45 ports are where consumers will be plugging in the Wi-Fi modules so the appliance can be connected to the Wink system. If successful, this could prove a cost-effective way of retrofitting your home to become a smart one.

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Intel acquires semiconductor company Lantiq for IoT push

Intel Corp. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase semiconductor company Lantiq. The deal will be subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close within 90 days. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the value of the acquisition was pegged at about $280 million.

The acquisition is expected to help Intel’s effort in the Internet of Things market by providing smart gateways and intelligence access networks. With the combined technology from both companies, Intel will be able to deliver a comprehensive range of connectivity solutions and home cloud technologies for OEMs, service providers and companies who are working on applications for the connected home.

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Branto security and home automation system

Branto Inc. has a project on Kickstarter Inc. called Branto, a round-shaped device that offers a 360-degree view of your home, office or room to easily check on what’s happening at your place, with your family or in your office when you are away.

The device is equipped with a 360º HD camera, night vision, motion sensors, microphone that can detect shattering glass and more. Aside from helping you keep an eye on things, you can use Branto as a music hub, allowing you to stream your favorite music from anywhere in the house, as well as act as a communication hub for pets and family.

If you’re worried about privacy, Branto promises that data collected are stored on related devices such as computers, smartphones and tablets of the user and is encrypted before before being transmitted to Branto’s cloud platform.

Aside from offering security, Branto can also serve as the remote control of connected devices such as SmartTVs, smart thermostats, smart switches, smart light bulbs and other devices for home automation making it a complete solution for your home automation and security needs.

photo credit: The Fridge via photopin (license)