This week’s SmartWorld Series features a self-sustaining smart home, the latest in wearable tech gadgets, new partnerships between car makers and network carriers, and smart devices for the healthcare industry.

For those who missed this week’s SmartWorld Series, here’s a chance to catch up on the exciting developments happening in the connected world. Each week, SiliconANGLE rounds up the best of apps and services for health and fitness, smart homes, smart cars and anything related to the Internet of Things.

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Zero net smart homes + the downside to “unblessed” Nest integration

Rising electricity bills and the price of gasoline is enough for anyone to dream of a home that is able to produce its own energy, like the self-sustaining Honda Smart Home US. One lucky member of the UC Davis community will get to live in the smart home to test the features.  The winner will also be provided with a Honda Fit EV for transportation, also charged by the smart home system.

The house features a 9.5kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system mounted on the roof, which produces more energy than what the house requires for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, hot water, appliances and consumer loads, and charging the Honda Fit EV.

Learn more about the Honda Smart Home US, as well as the fate of home monitoring and security services in this week’s SmartHome roundup.

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Smart sneakers “call home” with a click of the heels

Even tech companies enjoy a good laugh, playing pranks on gullible consumers for April Fools’.  This year, the wearable tech market wasn’t spared from pranksters such as Virgin Mobile, The Pirate Bay, Samsung, and HTC.  Will you be interested in shoes that call home with the click of the heel?  How about a virtual reality device that plugs directly to your brain?  Will you still use smartphones when they literally fit you like a glove?

Find out more about these April Fools’ inspired gadgets in this week’s WearableTech roundup.

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BMW named top smart car maker, Tesla connects with Telefonica

Car manufacturers are boosting their efforts in supporting the Internet of Things movement by partnering with service providers such as AT&T and Telefonica. The idea is to offer a data plan with each car, connecting vehicles with high-speed internet. The bonus for car makers is real-time monitoring of car health, while drivers gain ready access to traffic and navigation info.  Among all manufacturers who offer a connected car experience, one study names BMW king of the hill thanks to its comprehensive approach to in-car connectivity.

Learn more about BMW, and what other car manufacturers have been up to, in this week’s SmartCar roundup.

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Smart stethoscopes, family hubs + more

The medical field is ripe for developers focused on advancing healthcare for doctors and patients alike. Among the latest advancements is from Eko Devices, recently unveiling a smart stethoscope. Called Eko, the device attaches to the tube of the stethoscope and amplifies the sound detected.  Data is then transmitted to the smartphone app where it can be stored, replayed, shared with other clinicians, and analyzed, to improve monitoring and detection of heart conditions.

Find out more about Eko, as well as a headband that reduces migraines and a tracking pad, in this week’s SmartDevice roundp.

Tune in next week for more interesting stories, discoveries and innovations in the world of smart and connected things.