RIoT would just like you to know that this has been an exceptionally quiet week for news. M&A, Strategies, Alliances Avast has acquired AVG for $1.3bn, in a move that it says will help it compete against the larger security software providers, and create new opportunities in the IoT market. Forecasts, Reports, and Blue Sky Thinking A report polling UK councils has found that over 80% had had such little involvement or knowledge of smart cities that they didn’t feel comfortable participating – and are increasingly being left behind after early-adopters have secured funding. The smart home appliance market is valued at $38.35bn by 2020, according to Big Market Research. IoT security is going to be a $36.95bn market by…