The Internet of Things
The concept of the Internet of Things brings together forecasts about electronics technology as well as developments in the Internet. I gave a talk on the subject to my course on Internet protocols recently, and thought that you might find it interesting. The talk is an attachment to this Newsletter. So that everyone can see it, it’s a PDF. Just open it and follow the dialogue.
Electronics Technology
We all know how the capabilities of our electronics continues to increase. Processing capabilities of computer chips are increasing; but as this happens they get smaller and the same job can be done with less power. And power sources themselves keep getting smaller and lighter. Sensor technologies keep increasing in capabilities and getting smaller and lighter too. You can get an HD video camera that can be powered by a AA cell within the barrel of a pin.
GPS
GPS technology is central to many developments. As the electronics trends develop, a smaller and smaller device, using its own power, will be able to know exactly where it is at all times. We see telephones and cameras with GPS sensors today; but the devices that know where they are all the time will keep getting smaller and lighter.
Networks
The Internet keeps getting faster, more reliable, and cheaper. Wireless networks keep getting more and more capable. So these tiny devices that can know where they are and sense their environment in many ways can also communicate as they need with all the computers in the world. Each of these devices can have exactly the information it needs to do its job, and can share results anywhere in the world at any time.
The Bottom Line
All of these capabilities add up to some fascinating new products that work with the Internet in new ways. Take a look at the attached presentation for more specifics. As always, I’d love to hear your comments.
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