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Features

• Frustrated by new tech?

  LAS VEGAS -- International CES boasts 3,500 vendors this year, many showing off new smartwatches and other wearable gadgets.

• The Internet of Things at home: Why we should pay attention

  The Internet of Things is producing a lot of interesting consumer products that have the potential to lead to important enterprise tools. Here is a basic overview of the concept, together with examples of available products and what they offer.

• AT&T's $50B interest in DirecTV is just one part of an ambitious expansion

  AT&T's apparent interest in DirecTV is only the latest move by the wireless carrier to expand into just about every wired and wireless market it can.

• First-to-market means diddly when it comes to smartwatches

  The old wisdom that "first-to-market" technology products will win out gets thrown out the window when it comes to smartwatches and some other wearables.

• The 12 pros and cons of a cellular smartwatch

  Samsung is reportedly working on a variant of its Gear 2 smartwatch that works over cellular networks and doesn't require a Bluetooth or other connection to a smartphone.

• Sony seeks mobile rebirth, starting with Core sensor used in wearable tech

  Now that Sony plans to sell off its Vaio laptop business and convert its TV business into a subsidiary, the Japanese electronics giant appears poised to beef up its line of mobile products, including smartphones and tablets -- but especially wearable tech.

• As wearable devices hit the market, apps are sure to follow

  If there's to be an explosion of wearable devices and smartwatches in 2014, as analysts forecast, the bigger question becomes when more apps will emerge that work with such devices.

• Smartwatches arrive before their time

  Smartwatches and other wearable computing devices are getting plenty of buzz at International CES this year, but it remains to be seen if, and when, the gadgets will achieve broader consumer interest.

• Computerworld's holiday gift guide 2013

  From audio gear to gadgets, smartphones to stocking stuffers, we've rounded up the best tech gear to give and get this year.

• Is technology the cause of car crashes? Or the cure?

  Passing laws to minimise accidents caused by distracted drivers is a good idea. But let's not dump advanced technology prematurely just because we assume it's a distraction, says Mike Elgan.

• Digital nomad survival tips you can use anywhere

  Mike Elgan traveled over three continents in the past 18 months and has these tips for staying connected, keeping powered up and protecting your valuable gadgets from theft.

• Battle of the media ecosystems: Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft

  When you use media products from Amazon, Apple, Google or Microsoft, you're not just choosing a device -- you're joining a ecosystem. What are these four companies doing to maintain user loyalty? How well are they succeeding?

• Google's Chromecast menaces Apple TV

  Google's new stream-to-TV Chromecast threatens rival Apple's efforts to gain a foothold in the living room, analysts said Wednesday.

• Self-driving cars could create 1GB of data a second

  While self-driving cars may be safe and efficient, they certainly won't be economical in terms of data storage, according to one big data strategist.

• Smartwatches still in a 'so what' phase for consumers

  With Apple's iWatch and several competing smartwatches from major manufacturers in the works, some analysts question whether consumers will embrace such wearable technology.