AROUND TOWN

Smart home technology helps harried homeowners looking for convenience and savings in their busy lives at home and work.

These include thermostats that gauge energy use and alter temperatures to smart home speakers using sophisticated artificial intelligence to do menial tasks.

But these gadgets may be susceptible to hacking, warns Gregg Pinner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

A security researcher was able to install malware on an Amazon Echo device, turning it into a surveillance device. Amazon has no software to fix this with older units.

One investigator reported Google Home and Chromecast leak accurate location information about users. Attackers can use these devices to find where you are.

An Amazon device to control temperature, lighting and security recorded a private conversation and sent it to a number on one family’s contact list.

Rite Aid’s future unclear

The Rite Aid pharmacies in Lexington and Richland counties are closed but patrons are being served by Walgreen pharmacies. Customers’ pharmacy records have been transferred to Walgreen.

‘The company’s $24 billion merger with the Albertsons groceries and household items chain has been called off due to mounting investors’ concerns. Investors opposed the deal saying it undervalued Rite Aid’s retail sales and prescription-drug benefit services.

Who’s mew?

Naomi Lett has been named President and CEO of United Way Association of South Carolina. She has been with the association 8 years.

After graduating from James Madison University, Lett served in the Peace Corps in West Africa and is a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow and alumnus of Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership. She was a recipient of the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award and serves as a board member for Katrina’s Kids. a non-profit children’s aid group Sen. Katrina Shealy of Lexington founded.

Freddy’s is ready

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has opened at 10611 Broad River Rd. in Ir-mo. The new restaurant joins another locations at 2879 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia.

Owner Brett Rickert said his 3,010 square-foot restaurant seats 96 guests with more on the patio. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.