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Altec Lansing's SmartStream speakers are another Sonos alternative
While Sonos remains the go-to option for multi-room audio, a number of companies have debuted similar devices over the last couple of years. 2016 saw the likes of Sony, Vizio and others introduce WiFi-connected speakers that allow you to control music all over your house with a mobile app. At CES, Altec Lansing is pulling the wraps of a trio of speakers that offer the same functionality starting at $99.
Aviate's 'Smart Stream' is Yahoo's version of Google Now
Yahoo has given Aviate its first major makeover since acquiring it in 2014, completely replacing its contextual panel called "Spaces" with a new feature called "Smart Stream." This "stream" surfaces different cards throughout the day, depending on your location and activity. Sound familiar? Yep, the company might not admit it, but it's obviously Mayer and team's answer to Google Now. According to its official announcement, a card can pop up with nearby restos once you walk into a different city or town. It can also show live scores of games you've been waiting for and can put music apps to the top of the app list when you plug in a pair of headphones. Unfortunately, a quick peek at the reviews on Google Play shows that a lot of users aren't happy with the drastic change -- one reviewer even exclaimed "We don't need another Google Now!" After all, people who do like Google Now will use it instead of something that looks like it.
Motorola's SmartStream remote diagnostics to replace truck rolls
The MTR700 tuning adapter wasn't all that Moto was showing off at The Cable Show. Also getting introduced was its SmartStream Terminal Data Collector (STDC) software that gathers up diagnostic info from your Motorola STB and sends it to the helpful cable representative at the other end of the line. The idea, of course, is that field service (requiring a truck roll) will be replaceable by phone service (requiring hold time). Better still, the software is installable on-demand, so there won't even be a truck roll required to inject the code to your STB. We wouldn't expect cable companies to necessarily waive service fees for remote assistance, however. Just be thankful that help with your cable service may force you into tying yourself to the house between the hours of 10AM and 4PM.
