Smart home market stirs, but is it fed by Google partners, Apple’s catch-up or Comcast desperation?

ANALYSIS: Since Apple revealed in June that it will start shipping an intelligent home speaker, HomePod in December excitement has focused on its audio capabilities. This focus suits Cupertino which is giving little away on its smart home capabilities which will have to play catch-up with Amazon and Google.

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Wearables market spreading to enterprises as Target hands out Fitbit trackers to employees

Target is offering free Fitbit activity trackers to its more than 300,000 employees as part of an effort to encourage a healthier lifestyle and decrease healthcare costs.

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Mobile payments alliance for smartphones led by Shell, Target, Wal-Mart and 7-Eleven

An alliance of 14 retailers has been set up to create a ‘mobile wallet‘ on your phone that will better similar attempts by Google and mobile network operators. The Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) comprises Wal-Mart, Shell, Target, 7-Eleven and other large retailers.

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