Google invests $450m in ADT to boost IoT security devices

Google has announced a $450 million investment in security firm ADT to increase the adoption of IoT security devices.

Often when you hear IoT and security in the same sentence, it's because another device has been hacked. However, secure devices can actually improve the safety of premises (don't be too shocked.)

ADT is one of the most recognisable security brands in the world. You'll almost certainly have seen one of the company's somewhat iconic yellow alarms on the...

By | 3 August 2020 | Devices

Google promises the EU that it won’t use Fitbit data for ads

Google is attempting to avoid an EU antitrust probe by promising that it won’t use Fitbit data for advertising purposes.

The web giant announced its intention to purchase Fitbit for $2.1 billion back in November 2019, but it’s caught the attention of regulators.

EU regulators are concerned that Google will use Fitbit data to further boost its advertising business. A decision is due to be made on July 20th whether to launch a full probe into Google’s...

By | 14 July 2020 | Wearables

Opinion: Pixel Watch is more likely now a decent WearOS processor is available

Rumours of a Pixel Watch are now more believable following the release of a competent WearOS processor.

Unlike wearables from Apple and Samsung, Google relies heavily on third-parties. The main reason WearOS manufacturers have struggled is the inability to access hardware which can compete with the in-house chips used by Apple and Samsung for their wearables.

The main critiques of WearOS devices are they’re slow and have poor battery life. The OS didn’t help in the...

By | 1 July 2020 | Wearables

Smart speaker usage increases substantially due to COVID-19 quarantines

Global quarantines due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the use of smart speakers substantially.

According to a study released by Edison Research and NPR, three-quarters of US adults over 18 report a change in their media habits due to the pandemic.

“With tens of millions of Americans no longer commuting, smart speakers are becoming even more important as a conduit for news and information,” said Edison Research SVP Tom Webster. “This increased usage and...

By | 1 May 2020 | AI