AT&T will be the first wireless company to sell the LG Electronics smartwatch, which will be able to connect with Android phones and answer voice commands. The device, made in partnership with Google, sells for $299……Here’s some more encouraging news from TV’s number one advertising category—Automotive News reports business is so good that the Detroit 3, which historically shuts down some factories for summer vacation, will keep some of those plants going this year. Plans vary by manufacturer, but a Chrysler spokeswoman summed up the situation by saying, “We certainly monitor demand for vehicles and manage the production schedule accordingly”……Activity has already started as retailers compete for back-to-school business. Retailing Today reports Office Depot has kicked off its Gotta Get It! campaign, with more than 1,000 items for sale at $5 or less. Also this year, Kohl’s is teaming with OfficeMax to put back-to-school supplies in Kohl’s stores……Corporate intrigue is starting to grow at PetSmart, as two investment groups that own significant blocks of stock are calling for the chain to put itself up for sale. PetSmart’s Board of Directors is considering possible changes, but has made no commitments yet to sell the company…… Although Canadian company Alimentation Couche-Tard was unsuccessful in its attempt to buy Hess Corp’s retail division, it is still looking for more U.S. stores according to the CEO. Couche-Tard’s Circle K unit in the U.S. had an excellent fiscal quarter, with merchandise same-store revenues up 4.4% and fresh food offerings a growth area……There’s growing competition in what’s being called the “connected home” initiative, and Retailing Today reports Home Depot is now offering the Wink platform that can connect dozens of different devices made by fifteen different manufacturers. Items like garage door openers, ovens, and air conditioners made by manufacturers including GE, Honeywell, Philips, Rheem, and others can all be controlled through a free Wink app. Just one example of what could be done: the customer could turn off air conditioning after leaving, but could put AC back on before getting home……The latest study from the government finds that while the number of people dropping landlines continues to grow, the pace of people dropping home phones has slowed, possibly because of bundling with internet and TV packages. Currently 41% of U.S. homes use cellphones only……Anheuser-Busch and concessionaire Delaware North have teamed up to create a self-service beer machine called DraftServ, which will debut at Target Field for the All-Star Game next week.