This week’s Smart World Series features the latest solutions for smarter utilities, hackers’ favorite baby monitors, a plugin that turns vehicles into a rolling hotspot and more.

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.

Utilities, power grids get smarter

Aclara Technologies LLC introduced the Synergize network, a fully integrated solution for gas, water and electric utilities that offers high performance and a low cost of ownership.

Also featured in this roundup is the appointment of Michael Bell as Silver Spring Networks, Inc.’s new CEO and the company being named as Frost & Sullivan New Zealand’s Smart Grid Solutions Company of the Year for the second year in a row.

Read more about these in our Smart City roundup.

Most unsafe baby monitors, how to block car hackers

IT security and analytics company Rapid7 released a report that revealed how surprisingly vulnerable some baby monitors are to hackers. Some of the baby monitors tested use hardcoded login credentials that can sometimes be found on the Internet, which makes accessing them that much easier.

Also featured in this roundup is how the constant use of mobile devices is damaging your eyes, and what consumers can do to protect themselves from car hackers.

Read more about these findings and solutions in our Smart World Problems roundup.

Turn your car into a hotspot with this new, wireless plug-in

AT&T, Inc., in collaboration with ZTE USA announced the availability of ZTE Mobley, a plug-in that turns your 1996 and newer vehicle into a hotspot that allows up to five devices to simultaneously connect to the Internet.

Also featured in this roundup is Whirlpool Corp.’s return to IFA 2015 with new connected appliances and ABB’s advanced, voice activated smart home control.

Read more about these devices in our Smart Living roundup.

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

photo credit: PhotoDu.de / CreativeDomainPhotography.com via photopin cc