As part of a broader vision to make cities smart, connected and environmentally sustainable, innovators are working on creative ideas to update the urban streetscape - think trashcans, street lamps, bicycle counters, bus stops and parking garages - for today's digital lifestyle. Case in point: a new plan from New York City announced this month to transform the city's outdated pay phone booths into a citywide network of 10 000 futuristic pillars that will give New York City residents and tourists free, super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage.