Microsoft, Intel, Samsung team up for smart home alliance

One of the biggest hurdles for a truly smart home is that your appliances and devices don't really talk to each other, so to speak. There are competing protocols and proprietary ecosystems by different companies, which make it hard for the devices to communicate, if they aren't from the same brand. But some big tech brands are banding together to hopefully solve this issue. The Open Connectivity Foundation includes members like Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, Qualcomm, Cisco, and GE Digital, to name a few. They want to create open-source protocols that can be implemented by any manufacturer, regardless of chipset or operating system. So, in an ideal world your different appliances from different brands can talk to each other.

A big challenge for the alliance though is that key players in the industry like Apple, Google, WeMo, and Philips are not members. Apple is pushing its own HomeKit system, which, of course, only works for iOS devices. Google hasn't gotten Brillo off the ground yet but it has its own implementation, too. We can't really say if these companies will even be willing to consider to partner up with OCF, it would be quite helpful though if they do.

Source: Engadget

'Star Wars' launches Fan Film Awards 2016

Think you can make a better Star Wars film than JJ Abrams? Lucasfilm wants you to prove you have what it takes to recreate and reimagine that galaxy far, far away with the annual Fan Film Awards. Check out the Star Wars Fan Film Awards page to download the sound asset pack of official sounds from the franchise, do's and don'ts of the competition, and other things you need to get started. You can also check out the official rules here.

Submissions will be accepted until April 24, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can win a "Fett-worthy bounty" that includes the award and a Star Wars Price Pack. The Star Wars Fan Film Awards welcome films of varying genres, styles, and tones; award categories include Filmmaker Select, Best Animation, Best Non-Fiction, Spirit of Fandom, Best Comedy, Best Visual Effects, and Audience Choice, and winners will be announced in a special ceremony at Star Wars Celebration 2016. Those ages 13 and up from the US, District of Columbia, and Canada (except for Quebec) and residents 18 years of age and up from the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico are eligible to join.

Source: Star Wars.com

2016 Canadian International Auto Show reveals an industry at the crossroads

VW's GTI Roadster concept was born in the Gran Turismo video game yet came to life in Toronto - Photo By Gadjo SevillaBy Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Toronto, ON- The 2016 Canadian International Auto Show is heading into its last weekend. While highlighted by various snazzy concept vehicles a record number of vehicle launches at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the buzz in the floor show was a clear dychotomy of where the industry is at currently.

While many visitors were excited to see the latest in electrified vehicles and hybrid options, trucks and SUVs still drew large crowds of visitors who were earnest in trying out the vehicles as their next purchase.

One of my favourite parts of the AutoShow is the Auto Exotica section which displays exotic supercars and ultra luxe vehicles that most of us can only dream of riding in, much less owning.

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GM to recall 200,000 Saab and Saturn cars for Takata air bag issues

GM is recalling more than 200,000 Saab and Saturn cars in the US and Canada because of air bag inflator issues on their Takata-made air bags. This is just the latest in a series of recalls of Japanese-made faulty Takata air bags.

The latest announcements are part of a widening recall which has seen roughly 500 million vehicles affected by Takata's airbag inflators, which can explode with excessive force, causing metal shrapnel to spray within vehicle compartments.

So far, these inflators have been linked to at least 10 deaths, mainly in the United States, and around 100 injuries.

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