We bought our first home in late 1968. We watched it being built and even installed sound cables in the walls before they dry-walled, so we’d have a sound system for the whole home. Those days were called ‘container days.’ Contractors erected the container and left the homeowner to finish the rest. 

Now, 45 years later, the sector is being upended by smart home technology, creating a large market opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, designers, and builders. The smart home industry, which was estimated to be worth $79 billion in 2020, is expected to increase to $314 billion by 2027, according to recent research from Mordor Intelligence.

Consumer curiosity is being sparked by ideas like touchless interactions and energy-saving whole-home automation. With new government efficiency standards demanding the replacement or modification of current systems, automated heating and cooling will be in high demand. All residential central air-source heat pump systems sold in the United States starting in January 2023 must adhere to new minimum energy efficiency standards.

This smart home movement focuses on enhancing the experience of living in the home, from automating appliances that anticipate and comprehend the homeowner's demands to programming devices to act consistently. Grandview Research's forecast of an excellent 31% compound annual growth rate between 2021 and 2030 for smart kitchens and security and surveillance technology installations.

Consider PIN-activated keyless door locks or smart doorbells that are always aware of visitors (or deliveries) arriving. Automated exterior lighting and AI-powered public space video cameras that monitor neighborhood activity will be in demand for multi-family developments.

Because the smart home industry has developed over the last five years and is ready to transition from "do it yourself" to "do it for me," there is a huge market opportunity. Consumers will probably start looking for pre-built homes with tailored technology more frequently. According to a Coldwell Banker Real Estate survey, 61% of millennials and 59% of parents with children living in the home choose smart-tech homes, while 71% of purchasers desire a tech-enabled, "move-in ready" home.

New artificial intelligence (AI) technology that automatically changes ambience routines to meet resident patterns and preferences makes this possible. Thermal windows that conserve energy improve a house's overall efficiency. Each smart home's devices are programmed to cooperate with one another and connect to a centralized home management app that is very easy to use and administer. Such systems receive routine cloud updates, and all hardware is dispersed across the home's primary hub. Technology seamlessly merges into the building's simple interior design.

With most software solutions available via the cloud, second-generation AI-powered smart home equipment self-learns and adapts to routines and preferences, getting better over time. All devices are coordinated and synced in the smart home setup, and they are all made accessible via a computer or a smartphone. A smart home with a genius Intellect, perhaps.

Designers and builders must rethink household space in light of increasing urban density and environmental sustainability. Compared to older homes, the modern urban home uses space more effectively, is more flexible, and is more responsive. It is cozy and friendly. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence that shouldn't be understated, since it confirmed long-held notions that the home can and should improve the health and wellbeing of its occupants.

A multi-family neighborhood outside of Portland's center dubbed HOMMA HAUS Mount Tabor, with 18 two-bedroom residences, is a pioneering prototype. This type of house must have an adaptable modern design, multi-functional use of space, and curated, pre-configured technology built in before the resident occupies the area. This sort of house should serve as the cornerstone of holistic well-being for its residents.

Urban areas that are expanding, like Portland, tend to have residents who value a deep relationship with environment and routinely engage in outdoor activities. Innovations like this one make use of organic-feeling materials that foster a sense of kinship with nature. The environment is improved by thoughtfully chosen oak flooring, Corian kitchen counters, and cedar fencing. Bamboo and tree landscaping produces shade and further reduces noise to keep the residences quiet.

Real estate will place more emphasis on striking a balance between protecting residents' privacy and fostering a sense of community. This is made possible by clever technology working in tandem with well-planned communal areas. Contemporary housing projects frequently contain courtyards that provide a good blend of quiet space and communal gathering area.
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Urban living that is holistic and adaptable will be the industry's driving force as it develops. Modern architecture, design, and technology are blended into one product, the home, which is constructed to bring beauty, comfort, and wellbeing. Astute builders will do this. Investors, CEOs of large corporations, and startup founders should monitor these developments and be prepared to seize the opportunities they will bring about.

Last month consulting firm McKinsey & Company released their newest edition of their American Opportunity Survey on remote work. There are many statistics from the survey, but the bottom line is that the flexible work arrangements companies put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic are here to stay.

“After more than two years of observing remote work and predicting that flexible working would endure after the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, we view these data as a confirmation that there has been a major shift in the working world and in society itself,” the report states. 

The survey is a joint effort between McKinsey & Company and market-research firm Ipsos. Around 25,000 Americans 18 and older completed the survey and the report shares the number of people working remotely, how many days per week they have flexible arrangements, the gender, ethnicity, and education level of those wanting to work remotely, and more. Another important fact is that respondents come from many different careers, not only with “white collar” jobs.

The first interesting result was that 58% (the equivalent of 92 million people) have the opportunity to work remotely at least one day a week. 35% have the option to work remotely up to 5 days a week. 42% had no opportunity to work from home.

Another striking result from the survey is that when offered, almost every employee would take the opportunity to work remotely. 87% of employees offered at least some remote work embraced the opportunity and spent an average of 3 days per week working from home.

The report stated that flexible work arrangements vary by occupation, age, gender, and income level. Young, educated people with high incomes had the most remote work possibilities. Men (61%) did better than women (52%). 47% of those with incomes between $25,000 and $49,000 had remote opportunities. 75% of those with incomes over $150,000 had remote work opportunities.
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Because the survey was conducted online, McKinsey admits the results could be biased against people with lower incomes, less education, and people living in rural areas, as these groups tend to be underrepresented on the internet. The firm attempted to overcome any possible bias with weighted models. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which has ushered in significant changes to media consumption habits and how major entertainment companies promote and display their offerings, we have watched considerable changes occur in at-home entertainment viewing.

“This pandemic has forced consumers to recalibrate their entire lives,” says University of Virginia Darden School of Business professor Anthony Palomba. Professor Palomba is an expert in media management. This interdisciplinary academic discipline examines how audiences consume media and entertainment products and services, as well as how entertainment companies compete amid shifting consumer preferences.

“What matters to them? What doesn’t? I think consumers are getting to know themselves a bit more. Rather than being told what is good by advertisers, they have to consider for themselves what is good,” said Palomba.

We are all consumers. We have been stopped in our tracks for nearly an entire year. We have reprioritized our lives. This impinges upon advertisers’ and marketers’ abilities to consistently reach and speak to us.

Professor Palomba continues: “Consumers’ acumen over available entertainment and media options has risen quite a bit. Consumers have had more time at home to watch, view, subscribe and try out these options. Marketers must consider how to position entertainment products and services to consumers who have greater market awareness. More consumers have begun to consume digital entertainment, and podcast audiences have swelled while consumers work from home. There is also intensified yearning for immersive escapes into other worlds and realms, which I think has fueled interest in the PlayStation 5.”

“Consumers are seeking entertainment brands that they can trust. It is astounding to think that Disney + got to 50 million subscribers in five months. It took Netflix seven years to reach that milestone. This business feat is symbolic of consumers’ predominant need to find trusted, feel-good, high-quality brands as consumers reconcile bills against unemployment, salary cuts, and other unknowns.”

This leads to a question: Do consumers enjoy searching for videos and finding the unexpected? With colossal and meticulous algorithms used to determine consumer preferences on streaming video on demand platforms and new [streaming video on demand] program advertisements, the joy of discovery may very well be undermined for consumers. Part of the human experience is discovery. Ensconced in the unknown, will we find something meaningful? Past studies have illustrated that engaging in discovery and exploratory activities is restorative and renews our perspectives about ourselves, giving us confidence and a better feeling about our future.
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Now, more than ever, consumers need reasons to be lost in discovery.

Given how much valuable information we entrust to computers these days, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your work and home networks are safe. All it takes is one chink in your Wi-Fi’s armor to compromise your system, leading to ransomware, invasion of privacy, and the loss of invaluable personal data. Learn how to secure your Wi-Fi network today, and rest easier knowing you’ve prevented future outrages.

Wi-Fi works by broadcasting the signal from your modem via a wireless router up to several hundred feet away, allowing any compatible device to connect to the internet. While this is undoubtedly a major convenience for both work and home networks, it also raises the unpleasant possibility that a cybercriminal could compromise the network and access your devices and information. Should any crime be committed using your PC, such as spamming or harassment, the investigation would lead back to your computer, potentially putting you at legal risk.

However, as long as the wireless signal is sufficiently encrypted or rearranged into a coded transmission, your network should be safe from digital eavesdroppers and intruders. Two types of encryption are commonly used on routers, computers, and other devices: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The most current and robust encryption is known as WPA3, though the weaker WPA2 is more common. Either should protect you from all but the most determined cybercriminals, though WPA3 will give you greater security against the latest threats. If you’re still using WEP to protect your Wi-Fi network, even the most common hacking programs could pose a threat, so consider upgrading your router for one with WPA3 included.

Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Security. It is worth noting that even though many routers now come with WPA3 encryption as standard, some do not have encryption enabled right out of the box. Fortunately, enabling the encryption is a simple matter of following the router’s instruction manual or manufacturer’s website. Additionally, there are several steps to take during the router’s setup to minimize the risks to your network, though these settings can also be adjusted at a later time.

Limit Wi-Fi Access. First and foremost, you should consider enabling any available options to limit the number of devices that can access your network, which you can do either through your computer’s Wi-Fi or directly through your router’s app. While it might be convenient to get that Wi-Fi-connected slow cooker you saw online, Internet of Things (IoT) devices can serve as easy entry points for hackers. Each device will be assigned an individual Media Address Control (MAC) that will allow your approved devices to access Wi-Fi while blocking those without a MAC – though hackers have spoofed MAC addresses before, so don’t rely solely on this feature to secure your network.

Protect Your Router. Since your router is the primary point of contact between your network and the internet, you need to make sure it’s been well-secured as your primary form of cyber defense. Failure to secure your router can allow hackers to seize control of it, redirect your web traffic, and steal personal and financial info. If you’re still using the generic network name and password the router came with, you could be in some severe trouble and not even know it.

PC users can check their router’s encryption status by right-clicking on the Internet Access toolbar icon and selecting Properties. From there, scroll down to Properties at the bottom of the window, and you’ll be able to check the security type that’s running, which should be WPA2 at a minimum.

Mac users can check the encryption status by opening System Preferences, clicking on “Network,” and then selecting the Wi-Fi network listed and then clicking on the “Advanced…” button. The network will be listed with its encryption status.

Changing the stock password the router shipped with is of paramount importance since these manufacturer-provided details are not always randomized and are well-known by hackers. Find your router’s IP address and use that to access it. Log in and change the default password. You should also ensure that their router’s service set identifier (SSID) has been changed to a unique name that only you know.

Update Your Router’s Firmware and Software Regularly. We all update our smartphones regularly. But updating your router is even more critical. You can accomplish this by either accessing your router directly or using an app, if available. Most routers have an option to update it directly in the admin panel.

Disable Remote Access. While the idea of accessing your router from anywhere with an internet connection might seem appealing, keep in mind that anyone else with the right skills can do the same. Remote access can be disabled via accessing your router directly or using an app. 
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Essentially, by following the same practices to protect your computer from digital intrusions (frequent updates, attention to detail, malware protection, etc.), you can help keep your wireless networks safe and sound.

The Biden administration is calling for action to stem climate change for a wide range of sectors, including buildings and transport, as major emitters. It’s going to require the rapid implementation of innovative new ideas and products.

Enter ready-to-roll – literally – “organic energy company” GO-OPV, which manufactures a thin film called ORENgE that can capture any light and convert it to clean energy in a more efficient way than traditional solar panels. The panels are thin, flexible, ultra-lightweight, and can be used both vertically and horizontally.
GO-OPV, a Florida-based company, launched ORENgE in November. GO-OPV claims ORENgE is “is the only commercial organic technology available in the US that is transparent, non-toxic, flexible, thin, durable, recyclable, sustainable, and cost-competitive.”

“The new electric economy requires energy producers to generate power in the most efficient combination of suitability and sustainability possible, which has always meant harnessing the power of light - indoor and outdoor. Organic energy, as built around the ORENgE technology solution, is pure power technology in a lightweight, flexible, and zero carbon footprint that can be applied to places like windows and transportation equipment, where organic energy transforms the power of light into energy,” says Felipe Travesso, COO of GO-OPV.

Organic energy relies on any form of light to produce power, whether it’s indoor, low, or diffused – unlike solar power, which is dependent on sunlight. ORENgE is a recyclable product that provides power through an earth-abundant, low CO2, and sustainable energy solution. ORENgE is an energy source that is printed from organic ink. It is the most sustainable organic energy alternative because it uses recyclable materials abundant in nature. It has the lowest carbon footprint and the lowest energy payback among organic technologies. 

ORENgE’s use of organic materials is another major differentiator to silicon solar panels that rely on chemicals like cadmium telluride, silicon tetrachloride, and hydrofluoric acid, among others. ORENgE is semi-transparent and integrates to any surface, like building facades, home siding, tractor-trailers, park benches, and more, for applications in vertical or horizontal installation – something else solar can’t do. While ORENgE can be hung vertically, on the sides of buildings, solar panels must be placed on roofs, directly facing the sun. Thanks to its flexibility, ORENgE can also be applied to tractor-trailers and semis, unlike fragile silicon panels.

ORENgE is the greenest option among all alternative, renewable power sources due to its printing production process and the organic materials used. To make ORENgE, GO-OPV uses a rollable film made up of eco-friendly materials (fullerene and non-fullerene-based inks) and recyclable earth-abundant materials. The printing production process has the lowest energy demand in manufacturing, resulting in the lowest carbon footprint among renewables.

ORENgE allows for the installation of the ultimate zero-carbon power solution within the building-integrated photovoltaics, trucking, and outdoor sustainability markets. For example:

As building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) continues to be integrated into more buildings as a principal or ancillary power source, ORENgE offers a solution that can be applied to glass surfaces and façade applications to power lights in conference rooms 24/7, entire office floors across multiple real estate applications, and UL 924 backup at a zero-carbon footprint.

The transportation industry is in desperate need of solutions addressing zero-carbon power generation. Because ORENgE is lightweight, flexible, and durable, it can be applied to semi-trucks and tractor-trailers to power on-board electronics (printers, credit card machines, lighting, tracking systems, electronic locks, etc.), semi-trailers (wagons that often remain detached from the tractor for long periods), and reefer (the refrigeration system of tractor-trailers). With ORENgE, trucks have a longer lifespan, resulting in more income per truck. ORENgE increases battery lifetime and reduces unscheduled maintenance and its direct cost. 

ORENgE on a picnic table can provide light and tech-charging capabilities.

ORENgE brings its zero-carbon power source to outdoor furniture, so you can charge your phone on park benches and ensure safety at public bus stops with 24/7 light. Because of its sleek design and flexibility, the application possibilities are endless. From beach umbrellas to carports, ORENgE can provide 24/7 outdoor power for daytime and added battery storage for nighttime.
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ORENgE is cost-competitive with all renewable energy sources since organic energy power is delivered onsite of the required power load demand and, in many cases, the lowest form of energy. ORENgE benefits from the lower cost since the onsite delivery of ORENgE power removes the cost of transmission lines, distribution lines, and higher cost of AC systems.

Remember when Amazon (quietly) announced its expansion to Sidewalk, back in September? Well, the feature is live for some in a new update for the Amazon Alexa app, and you might want to go turn it off. We covered it in Issue 7-25.

Sidewalk is a feature that extends the network coverage of your devices, particularly Ring surveillance tech (like its cameras, smart lights, and pet trackers) and Echo smart speakers. But it'll also share a small chunk of that internet bandwidth to provide the same services to your neighbors – so your privately-owned devices won't be so private anymore. 

Sidewalk has been slowly rolling out to Echo and Ring owners in the U.S. as of Thanksgiving, which users were made aware of via an email from Amazon. While the feature isn't up and running yet, the email essentially notifies users that it's "coming soon." But it's also the company's discreet way of letting you know the feature has officially been turned on. 

Amazon makes it easy to opt out if you're only just unboxing your shiny, new Sidewalk-compatible device. During the setup process, users are asked if they want to join the network via the Amazon Alexa app. However, if you already own one of the 20 Sidewalk-enabled products, it'll automatically opt-in for you. 
To disable Sidewalk, all you need to do is: 

• Update the Amazon Alexa app or double-check that you're on the latest version
• Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap on the More tab
• Then, tap Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk and toggle off the Enabled button
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Thankfully, the additional Community Finding feature – which "can help your neighbors find pets and important items connected to Sidewalk by sharing the approximate location of [your] device and other Sidewalk bridges you own" is disabled automatically.

Of course, if you'd like to use Sidewalk on either your Echo smart speaker or Ring security device, you'll be happy to know you're already all set for when Amazon officially launches the new feature.

Amazon is now starting to roll out its Amazon Sidewalk local networking system to customers in the U.S. Here's what you should know about it.

First announced in September 2019, Sidewalk is a new idea and long-term effort for extending the smart home to entire smart neighborhoods by using various local networking options. 

On November 24th, Amazon began sending out emails to Echo device owners letting them know that an update with Amazon Sidewalk will soon be rolling out. Though the system will take time to build out, the first steps are happening now.

With that in mind, here are some of the essential points that users should know about Amazon Sidewalk.

What is Amazon Sidewalk? Amazon Sidewalk is a new type of wireless network that makes smart home capabilities much longer ranged. A Sidewalk Bridge connects to your Wi-Fi network and essentially extends the connectivity range beyond what your router can output. In some cases, Amazon says this range could be half a mile.

It works by using various communication protocols, such as 900MHz radio signals and Bluetooth Low-Energy, for inter-device communications. The system will intelligently switch between these protocols depending on the range and power needed.

These Sidewalk networks work a bit differently than your home Wi-Fi, however. The bandwidth in a Sidewalk network is open for not just your own devices, but your neighbors', too. It's a bit like a local mesh network, but across a neighborhood. 

Most Amazon device owners already have a Sidewalk Bridge in their homes. Recent Echo and Ring devices will soon receive over-the-air updates that will allow them to work as bridges.

Benefits of Amazon Sidewalk. As mentioned earlier, one of the first and primary goals of Amazon Sidewalk is to extend the range of your smart home gadgets. What that looks like in practical terms could differ depending on your smart home setup.

A Sidewalk network could, as an example, ensure that outdoor security cameras or lights have a working connection even if they're far from your Wi-Fi router. It could also mean faster connectivity if a device connects to a nearby Sidewalk Bridge instead of attempting to connect to a router farther away.

If you happen to drop a Tile device while walking around the neighborhood, it could still be within the range of the local Sidewalk network — and it'll be able to connect to the appropriate servers using a neighbor's Sidewalk bandwidth.

Sidewalk will also make the onboarding of devices much quicker and simpler. And Amazon envisions other uses, too, such as a pet safety service called Amazon Fetch that alerts users if their pet wanders outside of a preset perimeter.

Are there any downsides to Amazon Sidewalk? For one, Sidewalk isn't a replacement for a home Wi-Fi network. The bandwidth available on a Sidewalk network is pretty small — Amazon says the maximum bandwidth is just 80Kbps, with a cap at 500MB. As such, it's only useful for low-power devices like smart locks, security sensors, and Tile trackers.

There are, of course, security and privacy concerns, too. If your dog has a Sidewalk-connected tag on its collar, it means that you may be sending Amazon the location, duration, and frequency of all your dog walks. Amazon does have a white paper that explains some of its Sidewalk-related security policies.

Of course, there's also the question of it being a shared network. Although Amazon says it will encrypt all traffic sent through a Sidewalk network, users won't know who is on a specific network or how much traffic their neighbor might be sending over it.

All in all, users will only be able to exercise marginal control over their local Sidewalk networks. There isn't currently a way for users to figure out which Sidewalk Bridge their compatible devices are connected to.
Can I opt out of Sidewalk? The downsides and implications of Amazon Sidewalk wouldn't be as pressing if it weren't enabled by default. The system is opt-out instead of opt-in.

Once Amazon enables Sidewalk, users will see an information splash screen that explains what it is and what it does. There, they'll have the option to disable it — it'll be turned on by default.

Users will also be able to disable the local networking system through the Amazon Alexa app. The option is located in Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk.
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If users do disable Sidewalk, their devices won't connect to their local neighborhood networks. On the flip side, neighbors won't be able to use their Sidewalk bandwidth, either.

Ever since the pandemic began, many knowledge workers have continued their employment responsibilities from their homes. But now, with many employers extending the remote-work timeframe well into 2021, it may be time to consider working from a residence that’s in a far more pleasant location.

If you are a remote worker tired of sitting all day at your principal residence or working in grey cubicles at a remote office, here’s a group of exotic locations that offer you not only a stunning change of scenery but also dependable internet speeds and infrastructure necessary for remote work. From pristine beaches to tropical rainforests and paradise islands, there’s something in this list that is sure to make you want to book your ticket now and even consider these locations for a leased or purchased second home.

Galapagos Islands. West of continental Ecuador lies the isles made famous by Darwin’s studies of the natural world that would result in the Theory of Evolution. A natural paradise filled with stunning vistas, pristine beaches, and some of the most exotic wildlife in the world, the Galapagos Islands are a real paradise on earth. 

Galapagos has a population of only 25,000 people, setting the standard for the word remote. Nevertheless, they offer a reliable infrastructure for remote workers, with most hotels offering free Wi-Fi and most housing areas, including a good connection as well. While Galapagos is by far not the cheapest option on the list, you can expect prices similar or slightly less expensive than living in the continental USA.

Costa Rica. Costa Rica, the country with the most amazing biodiversity on the entire planet, has long been espoused as a real paradise for ex-pats. Not only does the Central American country offer dense tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and tropical climate, but also some of the best beaches in the world – featuring crystal clear water and pristine sand.

Santa Teresa is one of such beaches and is one of the most visited by tourists for many a reason. Not only does Santa Teresa have some of the best surf you will find in the world, but it also features a large town and tightknit community that offers plenty of yoga retreats, delicious food, thriving nightlife, and fantastic weather you could expect.

You will come for the surf and natural beauty, but you will stay for the people – a collection of ex-pats from around the world and locals that live the “Pura Vida” (Pure Life) lifestyle and always boast a smile on their face.

Morocco. Located not be too far off the coast of its northern neighbors in Spain, Morocco might as well be a galaxy apart. This diverse land containing four different mountain ranges, deserts, and Mediterranean beaches has been the setting for many iconic movies throughout the years, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Gladiator, and even Star Wars.

But what truly makes Morocco so special, and attracts millions of tourists each year, is its perfectly preserved culture and traditional architecture. The market town-turned-city of Marrakesh has been a crossroads for culture and trade for close to ten centuries. Featuring gorgeous oriental architecture and thousands of captivating smells and colors, the streets through the bazar hold plenty of secrets within them – from delicious honey drizzled pastries to sensual belly dancers.

A very low cost of living country, Morocco has been evolving technologically at a breakneck pace in the last few years and has plenty of co-working spaces available for digital nomads, as well as surprisingly fast internet connections for rental homes.

Bali, Indonesia. Another location famous for its beaches and surf, the Island of Bali, is often touted as a real heaven on earth. Boasting mind-blowing beaches, volcanoes, mountains, coral reefs, and overall nature, Bali can easily compete with any location on this list and come out ahead on most aspects.

In Ubud, the cultural center of the island and home of the ex-pat community, you will find the spiritual hippies and yogi types. In contrast, in the southern Bukit Peninsula, you will find the perfect location to surf in legendary breaks like Padang Padang, Dreamland, and Uluwatu.

What few people know about Bali, however, is that it has been building a burgeoning startup ecosystem with all kinds of entrepreneurs, initiatives, tech talent, and startups springing up all over the island. To satisfy this demand, Bali has seen a large number of co-working spaces pop up across the island, each one providing more than adequate commodities for digital nomads, who are not only attracted to the island’s legendary beauty but also its low cost of living and housing.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Touted as one of the best cities for remote workers around the world, Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, vibrant, and creative metropolis in the south of Vietnam that has plenty to offer for digital nomads, tourists, and ex-pats alike.

A highly developed city bursting with cafés that offer fantastic coffee and an even better internet connection, the former Saigon is filled with culture, commerce, art, and plenty of beautiful natural and human-made sites to behold.
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Visit the Ben Thanh Market and its iconic clock tower to buy all sorts of goods ranging from clothes to electronics to groceries for excellent prices, provided you are willing to haggle a little. The food is absolutely delicious and incredibly cheap, with Vietnam having one of the lowest costs of living in this entire list.
For those who prefer to work in office environments, Ho Chi Minh City has plenty to offer, including the fantastic Dreamplex co-working space, which features the fastest and most reliable internet in the city, as well as excellent ergonomic chairs.

Amazon has become a ubiquitous part of the modern world, but now it may even make its way into rental properties. Recently, Amazon unveiled its Alexa for Residential program. This program will make it easy for landlords to include Amazon and Alexa-powered devices in rental units across the country, including the Echo Dot and other products.

The idea is that Alexa’s smart speakers will be available from day one in rental properties. Even before renters move in, Alexa will be able to help with self-guided tours by providing information about square footage, monthly rent, and more. Renters can link their Amazon accounts to the speaker to access all of Alexa’s features. Once a renter moves out, property managers can reset the speakers without removing their connections to existing smart-home devices.

Amazon has taken numerous steps to ensure its position as the default smart home platform, viewing itself as a utility like lights and plumbing. In 2018, the homebuilding company Lennar began including Alexa and smart locks in its new builds. Amazon has also created partnerships with hotels and college dorms to bring its devices into these spaces. By doing this, Amazon places itself at the front of the pack and makes it more difficult for its competitors – Google Assistant and Siri – to claim their part of the spotlight.

On the other hand, re-using smart assistants that other people have used creates privacy concerns. Amazon addressed these concerns by saying that property managers cannot access customer data. Renters do not have to worry about their landlords listening in on them. By default, voice recordings are deleted daily and are inaccessible to human reviewers. If a renter links their Amazon account to a rental Alexa, they will have access to the platform’s full suite of privacy features.
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The moves by Amazon to bring it into more spaces as a service will likely help grow the already-impressive market lead that Alexa has over the competition, especially given the partnerships Amazon has formed with companies like Iotas, Stratis IoT, and Sentient Property Services. Amazon will also be opening up the potential for partnerships with more companies.

In the UK, all Internet of Things (IoT) and smart consumer devices will need to adhere to specific security requirements, under new government proposals.

The legislation aims is to help protect citizens and businesses from the threats posed by cybercriminals increasingly targeting Internet of Things devices.

By hacking IoT devices, cybercriminals can build an army of devices that can be used to conduct DDoS attacks to take down online services, while poorly secured IoT devices can also serve as an easy way for hackers to get into networks and other systems across a network.

The proposed measures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have been developed in conjunction with the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and come following a consultation period with information security experts, product manufacturers and retailers and others.

"Our new law will hold firms manufacturing and selling internet-connected devices to account and stop hackers threatening people's privacy and safety," said Matt Warman, minister for digital and broadband at DCMS.

They also follow on from the previously suggested voluntary best practice requirements. Still, the legislation would require that IoT devices sold in the UK must follow three particular rules to be allowed to sell products in the UK. They are:

• All consumer internet-connected device passwords must be unique and not resettable to any universal factory setting.
• Manufacturers of consumer IoT devices must provide a public point of contact so anyone can report a vulnerability, and it will be acted on promptly.
• Manufacturers of consumer IoT devices must explicitly state the minimum length of time for which the device will receive security updates at the point of sale, either in-store or online.

It is currently unclear how these rules will be enforced under any future law. While the government has said that its "ambition" is to introduce legislation in this area, and said this would be done "as soon as possible," there is no detail on when this would take place. A DCMS spokesperson said that the department would be working with retailers and manufacturers as the proposals move forward.

Many connected devices are shipped with simple, default passwordswhich in many cases can't be changed. At the same time, some IoT product manufacturers often lack a means of being contacted to report vulnerabilities – especially if that device is produced on the other side of the world.

In addition to this, it's been known for IoT products to stop receiving support from manufacturers suddenly, and by providing an exact length of time that devices will be supported will allow users to think about how secure the product will be in the long-term.

If products don't follow these rules, the new law proposes that these devices could potentially be banned from sale in the UK.

"Whilst the UK Government has previously encouraged industry to adopt a voluntary approach, it is now clear that decisive action is needed to ensure that strong cybersecurity is built into these products by design," said Warman.

"Our new law will hold firms manufacturing and selling internet-connected devices to account and stop hackers from threatening people's privacy and safety. It will mean robust security standards are built-in from the design stage and not bolted on as an afterthought," he added.

"Smart technology is increasingly central to the way we live our lives, so the development of this legislation to ensure that we are better protected is hugely welcomed," said Nicola Hudson, Policy and Communications Director at the NCSC.

"It will give shoppers increased peace of mind that the technology they are bringing into their homes is safe, and that issues such as pre-set passwords and sudden discontinuation of security updates are a thing of the past."
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The UK isn't alone in attempting to secure the Internet of Things – ENISA, the European Union's cybersecurity agency, is also working towards legislation in this area. At the same time, the US government is also looking to regulate IoT to protect against cyber-attacks.