Amazon’s efforts to take over the connected homestead are paying off, as the e-retailer beat out Apple and Google’s smart home efforts according to a recent survey. To that end, Amazon’s released two new devices for its Siri competitor, Echo. In other Smart World news, we learn of Raspberry Pi’s latest update, developments in the Internet of Things security market, and more.

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:

The new Pi 3 is 64-bit with on-board Wi-Fi

The Raspberry Pi Foundation added a new computing platform to its line of tiny computers called the Pi 3. What makes this release different is that it has a built-in Wi-Fi module which eliminates the need for developers to connect a Wi-Fi dongle to communicate wirelessly. The Pi 3 will serve as a tiny open source platform for the Internet of Things apps.

Read more about the Pi 3 and where to get it here.

Amazon Echo beats Apple, Google smart home

Argus Insights, Inc. released a report that reveals how consumers feel about smart home automation products. The report showed that many consumers aren’t too happy with Apple and Google smart home efforts so far, citing incompatibility with other connected devices. On the other hand, consumers are quite pleased with the Amazon Echo and how easy it is to integrate connected devices.

Read more about the report here.

Cryptosoft collaborates with Symantec to secure IoT

Cryptosoft Ltd. announced a partnership with Symantec Corp.  to provide authentication and encryption services for the Internet of Things. The collaboration delivers numerous benefits for customers of both companies, such as authentication and verification of devices at the hardware level, to start.

Also featured in this roundup is Honeywell International Inc.’s two new security panels that improve integration with other connected devices, and Flowgroup plc’s new line of connected home devices.

Read more about these new products and partnership here.

The robot revolution | #CrowdChat

Gemalto and a handful of futurists recently hosted a CrowdChat to discuss the various obstacles facing the connected world. Some of the issues raised includes surveillance and monitoring and how it’s unsettling that the younger generation is not concerned by such security issues. The matter of security with regards to connected vehicles and contactless payments was also brought up, along with how connected devices can improve healthcare services.

Read more about what transpired in the CrowdChat here.

Full specs on new Amazon Tap and Echo Dot

Amazon introduced two new devices powered by the Alexa Voice Service. The Amazon Tap is a portable, battery-operated version of the original Amazon Echo, while the Echo Dot is hockey puck-sized version of the device. Just like the original Echo, users utilize their voice to ask information on the weather, read messages, book an Uber, order pizza, play music and more.

Interested in purchasing an Amazon Tap or an Echo Dot? Navigate the surprisingly complicated purchase process here.

Read more about the Amazon Tap and Echo Dot here.

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

Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase