Hi all, 

One of today’s top stories is about how IoT technology could reduce motorcycle accidents by putting sensors directly on the bike and alerting riders via helmet. Are any readers motorcycle enthusiasts? I’d love to know what you think of this idea. The bigger question for everyone is: would you ride on an IoT-enabled bike? Hit reply and let me know! 

Onto the news: 

1. The nonprofit, Easterseals Southern California, implemented smart home technology in a house to make it easier and safer for adult residents with disabilities. The organization added tablets and Wi-Fi-enabled sensors to help automate certain tasks, while the Wi-Fi connects to the doorbell, smart locks, garage door, and sprinkler system. Each bedroom has a tablet, a smart speaker, and its own Wi-Fi network for added security. — HEALTH TECH MAGAZINE

2. YogiFi — the world’s first smart yoga mat by Wellnesys — has launched in Australia. The mat contains pressure sensors that record and provide real-time feedback on the users’ posture, strength and flexibility. YogiFi connects to an app via Bluetooth, where users can access different styles of yoga classes for various needs, such as alleviating back pain, anxiety and arthritis. The mat is available for pre-order for 605 AUD ($399) and is expected to ship in May. — @ROUUT / TWITTER

3. Successful smart city initiatives need governance of data and strong collaboration among those building it, said Emily Yates, smart city director in Philadelphia. Last spring, the city released its Smart City Roadmap that has three guidelines for development: a strong foundation of policy and infrastructure, a process for partnership and funding for sustaining project implementation. The roadmap asks for submissions for smart city solutions, scoping for university partnerships, and the development of a community education series. — IOT WORD TODAY

4. IoT, edge devices, and big data could be combined to help prevent motorcycle accidents, says David Linthicum, Deloitte’s chief cloud strategy officer and motorcycle rider. His idea is that riders would wear a Bluetooth helmet that could receive information on road conditions, fuel levels, and nearby vehicles. Sensors on the bike would collect data and send it into an edge device to teach AI how to detect patterns and alert the rider. — TECH REPUBLIC

5. Surfer and drone pilot Jeremy Johnston captured a video and took several photos of sharks swimming off New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In some of the photos, there are 20-50 sharks swimming in shallow water. In the video, there are closer to 100 sharks, although it’s difficult to count because they’re swimming in and out of frame. — @JERMJOHNSTON / INSTAGRAM

6. Apple is planning to launch AirPods Pro Lite, which would be a more affordable pair of its wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro. This lower-end model is expected to become available mid-year, but shipments could be delayed because of Coronavirus. There is no word on pricing yet, but the current AirPods Pro is $249. — GADGET BRIDGE

7. Pennsylvania State Rep. Chris Rabb of Philadelphia is introducing legislation requiring smart device manufacturers to stop auto-enrolling consumers in data sharing. Instead, consumers should be able to opt-in if they want their data shared. Rabb plans to introduce this legislation in the coming weeks. — FOX 43

8. A tweet of a short video of a fully-driverless Waymo has caught the attention of autonomous vehicle enthusiasts. In the clip, driver Gavin Vandine can be heard yelling, “There’s no one in that Waymo!” as he tried to catch up to it. The sight of the van without a driver is a bit startling, and I’m here to say that Vandine’s reaction is what we’re all thinking. — @GAVINVANDINE / TWITTER

9. If you’re looking for a drone to take aerial photos, check out this guide that lists the top picks of the year. The DJI Magic Mini is the best for beginners and has 30 minutes of flight time. The Skydio 2 is more advanced and has industry-leading computer vision. — DRONE LIFE

10. The Braille smartwatch called DOT provides messages in Braille. The watch uses an app to transmit text messages via Bluetooth and present them to the wearer in Braille. It also communicates the time, date, alarms, and who is calling the associated phone. — TRENDING NEWS BUZZ

Holly A. Phillips has a passion for storytelling and uses her craft to promote brands around the world. She is a Blogging Instructor at the University of Texas at Austin and is always looking for a new adventure. Keep up with her on her blog Thebitterlemon.com or on Twitter at @orangejulius7.

This newsletter was edited by Sheena Vasani, staff writer at Inside.