Picture Credit: Internet of Things- Wikipedia
Wiki explains: The Internet of things (stylised Internet of Things or IoT) is the internetworking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as “connected devices” and “smart devices“), buildings and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.[1][2][3] In 2013 the Global Standards Initiative on Internet of Things (IoT-GSI) defined the IoT as “the infrastructure of the information society.”[3] The IoT allows objects to be sensed and/or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure,[4] creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit.[5][6][7][8][9][10] When IoT is augmented with sensors and actuators, the technology becomes an instance of the more general class of cyber-physical systems, which also encompasses technologies such as smart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities.
IoT Today made it really clear early this year: “From agriculture to industry, IoT is already innately changing the way our world works and it is anticipated that by 2020 there will be 75 billion connected devices, a staggering amount of Internet-enabled technology. “ Modern Sensor-to-Server (S2S) communication networks call for high-speed solutions that support massive amounts of data collection, control and transport. Consumer and industrial organizations are experiencing high demand for voice, video, data and sensor (VVDS) information in wireless outdoor networks. For semiconductor firms alone, IoT will be a $50B market by 2020, according to the Quartz Group, citing Gartner Group data.
Picture Credit: Gartner Group forecast
Verizon acquired another component to its IoT business by purchasing LQD WiFi, as reported in TechCrunch, “a developer of outdoor interactive displays that provide WiFi connectivity along with news, emergency alerts and community information. They also act as sensors collecting crowd, weather and other data. LQD WiFi, based out of New York, had raised only $1.73 million in funding from unknown investors. Founder and CEO Randy Ramusack is a Microsoft veteran, having worked as the CTO of Microsoft Switzerland and the CIO of Microsoft UK, among other roles and places. LQD’s main service is called Palo, a kiosk-style structure that serves both as a WiFi station as well as a place for people to interact with information on the Palo itself. In this regard, it competes against the likes of Link NYC, which was borne out of Google’s Sidewalk Labs and its Intersection project.”
Remember: There is no such thing as a “Lee Frunch” (or a free lunch…). Link NYC (soon on in London) explains coyly in its FAQ that:
LinkNYC is one of the first free public Wi-Fi services in the country to offer an encrypted network connection between your device and the hotspot, securing all wireless communications between devices and the Link. LinkNYC will generate anonymized and aggregate data to develop insights on system usage and diagnostics to improve your Link experience, and to inform advertising that appears on the 55” displays of the Link kiosks. LinkNYC ads on the kiosks do not target individuals and there is no LinkNYC-generated advertising when browsing the web.
Picture Credit: Pinterest
IDEAS ABOUT INNOVATION! 