What is Amazon planning for the Internet of Things (IoT)? Is Apple finally embracing the open concept? What new features does the new Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 offer?

Every week we round up the latest developments in the Smart World, from new developer platforms to smart city initiatives around the world. Here’s what you missed in the Smart World …

Apple to launch open API for universal search access on the new Apple TV

In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that Apple will be making its API for the Apple TV’s universal search feature available to more developers who want to bring their apps to the device. Cook believes that by making the API open, consumers will benefit more from this.

Read how an open API will make it better for Apple TV owners here.

Daimler self-driving semi truck makes first test trek on German autobahn

Daimler AG has brought a standard Mercedes-Benz Actros fitted with its Highway Pilot system to the Autobahn, the federal controlled-access highway system in Germany. Daimler is testing how reliably the truck will perform under usual traffic conditions by utilizing a combination of radar, stereo camera system and adaptive cruise control.

Read more about how the truck did on its Autobahn run here.

Philips future-proofs smart lights with Apple HomeKit, Siri and new hub

Royal Philips introduced the new Philips Hue Bridge 2.0, which now integrates with Apple HomeKit. This means that Hue lights and lamps can be controlled using Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant.

The new hub is still compatible with old Hue devices.

Read more about Philips’ new bridge here.

Basho revs up Riak TS for the Internet of Things

Basho Technologies, Inc. has released an IoT-based version of its popular Riak NoSQL database. Called the Riak TS or “Riak Time Series,” it comes with enhanced read and write performance when storing and retrieving time series data, as well as compatibility with a variety of tools that enhances search.

Read more about the Riak TS here.

New Apple Watch app tells you when to nap

Beddit, Inc. has released a new Apple Watch app that lets you know more about your sleep patterns and quality of sleep right on your wrist. The new app also introduces a new feature called Nap, which tells you when’s the right time to take a nap during the day and wakes you up at the right time.

Read more about the new Beddit Apple Watch app here.

Amazon’s IoT shopping spree of domain names hints at product pipeline | #reinvent

As Amazon re:invent was in full swing, Domain Name Wire revealed that Amazon has quietly acquired some domain names that may have pointed out what products we can look forward to from the online retail giant. It was also revealed that Amazon may be venturing out into the IoT space with a cloud service.

Read more about Amazon’s domain shopping spree here.

Build bots, not boxes: Amazon quietly launches IoT service? | #reinvent

At Amazon re:Invent 2015, Amazon launched AWS IoT, a cloud service focused on the smart and connected sector of the market. Amazon is also offering a new IoT starter kit that would help any developer who wants to enter the connected market.

Read more about Amazon’s IoT cloud service here.

Before wearables thrive in enterprise, consider these cultural and security issues

Wearables are the new BYODs in the office, but some may not be fully embracing the concept because of some security and privacy concerns. Roman Foeckl, CEO of CoSoSys Ltd., offers some tips on how the enterprise can better adjust to this new trend in order to help not only their own companies benefit from wearables, but also their employees.

Read more about Foeckl’s the tips here.

Smartband maker Nymi gets new CEO to push security in the enterprise

Nymi, Inc. announced two new additions to the company. John Haggard will be replacing Karl Martin as CEO, as he will now be taking on the role of CTO. The second addition is Ram Varadarajan who will be joining the company’s Board of Directors.

Read more about the executive change here.

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

photo credit: Robotina XIX via photopin (license)