A futuristic vision of the Super Bowl, a freshly launched security platform for the connected universe, and a strategic acquisition are only some of the recent developments from top industry players towards the Internet of Things (IoT).

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:

Nokia launches new IoT security platform

Nokia Corp. launched NetGuard Security Management System, the company’s Internet of Things security platform.

The service combines monitoring and configuration of different systems into a single platform, allowing operators to monitor and control all the multi-vendor security systems deployed across its telecommunications network. This intends to make threat detection easier and more manageable.

Read more about Nokia’s IoT security platform here.

IoT for problem solvers and dreamers | #dellone5ten

At Dell, Inc.’s 1-5-10 Series IoT Discussion, Joyce Mullen, VP/GM of Global OEM and IoT Solutions at Dell, spoke on the potential of IoT in solving real world problems. With the increased use of IoT, Mullen stated that it will result in increased data generation and harvesting, and anticipates a growing impact from edge-of-network processing.

Read more about Mullen’s take on IoT here.

Cisco acquires SaaS enterprise IoT platform provider

Cisco Systems, Inc. announced its intention to acquire Jasper Technologies, Inc. for $1.4 billion in cash, assumed equity awards, and retention-based incentives.

Jasper is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) platform provider and Cisco plans on building upon the said platform as well as adding new IoT services such as enterprise Wi-Fi, security for connected devices, and advanced analytics to better manage device usage.

Read more about the announcement here.

Microsoft launches Azure IoT Hub out of beta

Microsoft has graduated  its Azure IoT Hub out of beta, making the cloud-based service for managing and communicating with IoT devices generally available to developers. The hub serves as a backend that tells connected devices what to do, aside from collecting data, and it has the advantage of integrating with other Microsoft cloud services.

Read more about the Azure IoT Hub here.

New Fitbit is high fashion, but can’t raise stock price

Fitbit, Inc. launched a new tracker called Alta aimed at the high fashion crowd in hopes of broadening appeal in a growing sea of connected jewelry and high end smart watches.

Like other Fitbit trackers, Alta tracks steps, calories burned, distance covered and sleep, but its bands are interchangeable to change with one’s mood and lifestyle. Despite the blatant efforts to compete, however, Fitbit’s newest tracker failed to significantly boost the device maker’s stalled stock price as the wearables market seeks to regain its footing.

Alta is now available for pre-order with a retail launch coming in March.

Read more about Fitbit Alta here.

Visa banks on open developer platform to push IoT

Visa, Inc. recently held its “Design. Build. Deliver.” event in San Francisco where it announced plans for the IoT market.

Visa, together with its partners is working on an open source platform that would converge over 50 billion connected devices with commerce. The platform is an http-based restful interface with interoperable APIs and will include sandbox testing to build apps, and a developer toolkit that will include code snippets.

Read more about Visa’s IoT open developer platform here.

Nintendo still dreaming about a mysterious sleep device

Since 2014,  Nintendo Co. Ltd.  has been dreaming of releasing a Quality of Life device that aims to help people sleep better. But the project has been delayed so many times, it comes as little surprise to learn that the project will never see the light of day. So for those waiting for this QoL device from Nintendo, tough luck.

Read what Nintendo’s CEO said about the product here.

Super Bowl wearables and other hot sports tech

Thanks to the growing world of connected devices, watching the Super Bowl may become more and more interesting with each passing year.

For starters, Microsoft has demonstrated how its virtual reality goggles, the HoloLens, can be used to turn coffee tables and walls into interactive, 3D screens. Other cool Super Bowl tech includes gadgets that not only help athletes improve their game, but can also be used to make the sports viewing experience more immersive.

Read more about these gadgets here.

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

Image via Microsoft