Google Maps for Android update includes sponsored hotel results, improved navigation

A quick update of Google Maps for Android features improved navigation with better traffic and route information and improves monetization capabilities of the app by tweaking hotel search results by including sponsored rate and booking links. A new side menu has also been called “Tips and Tricks” that opens up to the Maps help page on your gadget’s browser.

Piper adds Smart Sound Detection tech, notifies users of unusual sounds heard at home

Piper, home security and automation device, gets one more new piece of tech before the product starts shipping in November. Blacksumac added Smart Sound Detection technology that detects sounds in your home and performs secure cloud-based analysis on these. It has been created to recognize sounds such as crying babies, barking dogs, phones ringing, door knock or doorbells, and smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms. The system will send you alerts on your mobile device if the sound is anything significant.

Piper is still up for pre-order on Indiegogo until September 20, even after it has exceeded its $100,000 goal (it’s now at over $165,000), and will have the Smart Sound Detection feature as a software update by the end of the year.

Sony introduces 3-in-1 Walkman

Who says you need to carry around a lot of gadgets to enjoy your tunes? Sony has introduced the new Walkman NWZ-WH303, wireless headphones built with music player and speakers in the cans.

This innovative piece of music hardware lets you enjoy your tunes with either the closed, dynamic headphones with 30mm dome type headphone driver unit or the stereo surround sound speakers. You can store up to 1,000 tracks on its 4GB music player and can play up to 20 hours of music on a single charge (or an hour for the quick three minute charge).

Source: Sony Canada

Apple releases Lighting dock for iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s

Apple's gone all out to create accessories for their new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Aside from the full range of quality cases for the new smartphones, they've also released specific docks for the iPhone 5 and 5s as well as the iPhone 5c dock. Apple says iPhones sits upright in the dock as they syncs or charges, so the dock is perfect for a desk or countertop.

They also feature a convenient audio line-out port that connects to powered speakers. It supports other iPhone 5 accessories, such as the Lightning to USB Cable (sold separately). You can even conduct speakerphone calls with your iPhone in its dock.