The term Internet-of-Things has been around for a few years, and the technology has filtered into consumer products. The idea here is adding internet connectivity to everyday objects allowing them to send and receive data.
We’ve come a long way…
Think, sensors in your appliances. Like light bulbs that can be centrally controlled to turn on and off, and even select the proper lighting color preference based on any rule you can imagine (time of day/year, room temperature, sounds…).
Our connected world has been radically maturing for some time now. Those of us who have been around for a few decades have witnessed the progression from multi-million dollar computers filling gymnasium sized data centers, to most of the world owning a hand-held “computer” (cell phone) which could have only been termed a super-computer 30 years ago.
Today 6 billion people have access to mobile cell phones. Truly mind boggling.
We have now enter the era of wearable technology monitoring our exercise, health and sleeping patterns. In the near future we’ll swallow a pill which will monitor our digestive tract and communicate with our doctors. Wearable technology, nano-technology and interconnected devices will transform our lives in many ways.
Data gathered from multiple points is being combined into smart processes to predict and control the physical flow of our world. The amount of data being gathered is staggering. Our computers are collecting more data in minutes, than was generated in all history up to this point.
We’re witnessing the emergence of the “Internet-of-Everything”.
Back to connected “Things”
Less than 1 percent of the “things” in our world are connected to the internet (about 10 billion things). Many predictions forecast that number growing to 50 billion connected “things” over the next decade.
What these connected “things” are is the interesting part. Basically anything you can imagine, and certainly many things we cannot – possibly comparable in scale to multi-million dollar gymnasium sized computers, now fitting in the palms of the hands of many people on the planet.
What does all this mean for consumer home technology?
Smart Homes
Home Automation
One already mature example use of this technology dating back to 2011, Nest Labs, developed by Apple and purchased by Google. These systems are designed to combine data gathered from smart thermostats, fire alarms and security systems into a central control system for your home.
Possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Sensor and process technology exists to automate most of our lives already.
Image medicine cabinets and refrigerators that let you know when their contents are approaching expiration, or need to be replenished. This processing capability has existing in manufacturing and warehousing for decades.
What is practical and what will be adopted by consumers are another matter.
How do you determine practical uses of home automation, and which products can save you money and improve your quality of life?
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions and reviews of Smart Homes and Home Automation.
We’ve come a long way…
Think, sensors in your appliances. Like light bulbs that can be centrally controlled to turn on and off, and even select the proper lighting color preference based on any rule you can imagine (time of day/year, room temperature, sounds…).
Our connected world has been radically maturing for some time now. Those of us who have been around for a few decades have witnessed the progression from multi-million dollar computers filling gymnasium sized data centers, to most of the world owning a hand-held “computer” (cell phone) which could have only been termed a super-computer 30 years ago.
Today 6 billion people have access to mobile cell phones. Truly mind boggling.
We have now enter the era of wearable technology monitoring our exercise, health and sleeping patterns. In the near future we’ll swallow a pill which will monitor our digestive tract and communicate with our doctors. Wearable technology, nano-technology and interconnected devices will transform our lives in many ways.
Data gathered from multiple points is being combined into smart processes to predict and control the physical flow of our world. The amount of data being gathered is staggering. Our computers are collecting more data in minutes, than was generated in all history up to this point.
We’re witnessing the emergence of the “Internet-of-Everything”.
Back to connected “Things”
Less than 1 percent of the “things” in our world are connected to the internet (about 10 billion things). Many predictions forecast that number growing to 50 billion connected “things” over the next decade.
What these connected “things” are is the interesting part. Basically anything you can imagine, and certainly many things we cannot – possibly comparable in scale to multi-million dollar gymnasium sized computers, now fitting in the palms of the hands of many people on the planet.
What does all this mean for consumer home technology?
Smart Homes
Home Automation
One already mature example use of this technology dating back to 2011, Nest Labs, developed by Apple and purchased by Google. These systems are designed to combine data gathered from smart thermostats, fire alarms and security systems into a central control system for your home.
Possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Sensor and process technology exists to automate most of our lives already.
Image medicine cabinets and refrigerators that let you know when their contents are approaching expiration, or need to be replenished. This processing capability has existing in manufacturing and warehousing for decades.
What is practical and what will be adopted by consumers are another matter.
How do you determine practical uses of home automation, and which products can save you money and improve your quality of life?
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions and reviews of Smart Homes and Home Automation.
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