From global expansion to market consolidation, the Internet of Things sector saw some interesting developments in the past seven days. Every week we round up the latest developments in the Smart World, from new developer platforms to smart city initiatives around the world. Here’s what you missed in the Smart World:

Security is not the path to Japan’s smart home market

Icontrol Networks, Inc. has expanded its smart home business in Japan by partnering with cable TV operators. Powered by Icontrol’s Touchstone solution, the Intelligent HOME platform delivers home automation features to homes. The focus of this expansion is on home entertainment and convenience products, rather than home security, as many in Japan live in already-secure condominiums. Icontrol’s expansion offers a unique look into the differences and similarities between East and West cultures around smart home adoption. 

Read more about this announcement here.

Smartwatch maker Pebble laying off 25% of staff

Is the smartwatch market in trouble? Pebble Technology Corp. laid off 25 percent of its workforce and some are wondering if the the smartwatch craze is slowly fading. According to Pebble Chief Executive Officer Eric Migicovsky, the cut in its workforce was due to “lack of funds” despite raising $26 million last year from investors, aside from the $20 million it raised in crowdfunding. Migicovsky also explained that this is a move to ensure the company stays in business for years to come.

Read more about the company’s decision here.

Self-driving cars: The good, bad and unknown

The world may be anxious for self-driving vehicles to become commercially available, but there are still some issues that needs to be addressed before that happens. One of the self-driving car features is the ability to discern when driving situations become tricky and controls need to be turned over to the human driver. The problem here is, will the system be able to give ample time for the human to get ready to take over and avoid an accident?

Read more about the benefits and concerns of self-driving cars here.

Three DevOps Easter eggs from theCUBE

In an interview with theCUBE, from SiliconANGLE’s media team, Brady Forrest, Head of Accelerator, PCH International explained how hardware fits in today’s DevOps. He explained that hardware bridges the gap between software and the external world, citing Nest Labs Inc. an an example. The Easter egg in this interview is when he explained that though these devices are connected, they are still separate entities than can be upgraded or replaced without disrupting the system.

Read more about these Easter eggs here.

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

Photo by roguelazer