As the largest enterprise networking vendor, Cisco is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the explosive growth of the Internet of Things. The company is pursuing this market with a software-defined data center router that can stream the entire Netflix library in less than one second.

Cisco’s newly unveiled Network Convergence System, or NCS, virtualizes optical fiber and Carrier Ethernet to decouple management functions from the physical infrastructure and simplify provisioning. The platform is available in three configurations: the NCS 6000, which delivers up to to 1.2 Pbps per system, the 6.4Tbps NCS 4000, and the NCS 2000, a scaled-down model that offers “rates of 100Gbps and beyond.”

The NCS is designed for large-scale carrier networks capable of supporting millions of connected devices. These may range from mobile phones to wearable gadgets through more unusual products such as Nest’s Protect, a sophisticated smoke detector with built-in motion sensors that let you turn off the alarm with a simple hand gesture.

Besides being considerably more convenient than traditional alternatives, Protect can interact with the Learning Thermostat, Nest’s other smart device. The gadget tracks user habits and temperature preferences to reduce energy consumption by as much as 20 percent.

Like Protect, Rylan Grayston’s Peachy Printer is pushing the boundaries of the hyperconnected world. The world’s first $100 3D printer-scanner hybrid, Peachy utilizes low-cost electromagnetic mirrors and open source modelling software to shape light-sensitive resin into hard objects. The project recently hit the $350,000 mark on Kickstarter, blowing past its original goal of $50,000.

While not as ambitious as Protect or Peachy Printer, the third generation Kindle Fire proved just as sensational. The newly launched eReader packs a 2.2 GHz processor and an array of exclusive features, including a Mayday button and Prime Instant Video downloads.