Posted by Johnnie Sanchez on 2017-02-15 IoT The audiovisual industry continues to evolve with exciting news of new technology and acquisitions happening often. One of the exciting merges of technology was Harman's partnership with IBM. Harman partnered with IBM to integrate connectivity solutions with Watson, IBM's innovative cognitive technology. Together, the two companies have enabled connectivity applications for hotel rooms, hospital rooms, and conference rooms. Using IoT solutions, Harman and IBM are providing connected lifestyles and solutions. IBM is showing themselves to be the experts of IoT with their new headquarters in Munich, Germany. These headquarters are IBM's first outside of the United States and is one of the largest investments that they have made in years. The building is comprised of 25 floors of...
Posted by Johnnie Sanchez on 2017-02-19 news newsletter So, Barbie’s a Hologram Now Barbie has traded in plastic for hologram. Called the Hello Barbie Hologram, she is now an animated projection within a small box. A screen on the top of the box projects the image onto a translucent wedge, and creates an image of her floating. However, in order to receive the 3-D effect, one must look at her from straight on. She is not 3-D from the sides and from the back is completely invisible. The activation phrase, as the name of the toy would suggest, is “Hello Barbie.” She responds to more voice commands than just that, though. She has the ability to change clothes or appearance, set alarms or...
Posted by Johnnie Sanchez on 2017-02-26 news newsletter Builder to Push Apple HomeKit Home Automation to 47,000 Homes Home builder Brookfield Residential is hoping to install Apple HomeKit in thousands of homes in Ontario Ranch within the next 20 years. They plan on expanding from their current 1,000 homes to 47,000 in the small Los Angeles community. These homes are approximately 3,500 square feet and are priced in the $500,000's. The Apple HomeKit includes Lutron Caseta lighting systems, Lutron Serena shades and Honeywell Lyric thermostats. Homeowners can choose the package they want for their homes, which will be installed before they move in by Brookfield Residential. These homes are designed to support voice control and to connect with iOS 10. It is now...
Posted by Johnnie Sanchez on 2017-02-28 Despite the rise in U.S. mortgage rates recently, retail companies such as Home Depot and Lowe's continue to do well. Their success is a combination of new home construction and home remodeling. One reason for the success of these home improvement stores is because a contractor can't purchase their products via Amazon and have it delivered to a job site- at least not yet. As successful as the box companies are with home improvements, some home buyers are not having the same success. Higher home prices are causing potential home buyers to rent as that provides them with a better financial option then purchasing a house that they are unable to afford. Other...
