Machine to machine (M2M) technology is one of the hottest trends right now impacting virtually every industry: cars, manufacturers, cities, transportation systems, wearable devices, homes and farmers are just some of the areas completely transforming due to the Internet of Things (IoT). Here’s what you missed in the M2M space this week.
While getting machines together hasn't often been difficult, as more and more potential applications for connected technology became clear, getting the bandwidth in place often proved to be as difficult for M2M applications as it was for getting bandwidth into many homes. A new device from SureCall, however, may be set to change that, and it even represents an industry first: It received FCC approval under a set of new regulations and technical standards related to M2M technology.
Windows Azure, a platform created by Microsoft that's best known for providing companies with much-needed cloud-computing platforms, has decided to lift scaffolds and build on top of its reputation to touch the hearts of companies making use of the Internet of Things. The new service, known as Microsoft Azure Intelligent Systems Service, will let users manage the data generated by their sensors and devices. It's a machine to machine version of what Azure already offers.
Only a few short months ago, Google acquired Nest Labs in a deal that wasn't greeted without some controversy. But despite this controversy, it may soon be even easier to get your hands on a Nest learning thermostat thanks to plans to sell the device on Google Play. While plans sometimes fall by the wayside, this plan gets a little extra credence with the revelation that, for a short while, Nest actually was available for sale on Google Play.
Tim O’Reilly tuned in for a Reddit AMA (“ask me anything”) this week, where he answered questions about the Internet of Things – the quantified self in healthcare, key drivers of the IoT movement, the media’s role in the IoT, privacy challenges, Web 2.0, the cable monopoly, standards and interoperability and more.
Range Networks announced that Iceland technology integrator Rogg Corporation has developed a solution using OpenBTS and Range Networks’ hardware to aid in search and rescue missions in the Icelandic highlands. This is the type of technology that can help save lives. Rogg developed a solution called the Norris Positioning System (NPS).
According to new analysis conducted by IHS technology, the worldwide shipment of sensor hubs is projected to reach 658.4 million units by the end of the year, and to surpass the one billion mark by 2016. This projected growth expands on last year's sale of almost 260 million units by a whopping 154 percent, which is a clear indicator that more developers and manufacturers are recognizing the usefulness of sensor hubs as a method for reducing power consumption. By only activating the processors when sensors tell them they are needed, battery lives on smartphones, wearable devices and other products should drastically increase.
Wind River is a major provider of technology for firms that want to build connected devices. The model it is using is similar to what firms use to sell everything from cell phones to jet engines below cost - effectively making some of these products seem free. You probably don’t care much about the move to connect virtually everything you buy to the Internet but, if this got cheaper and more reliable because of those connections, I’ll bet you’d care a lot.
Telent, CGI and Microsoft all work to bring the IoT to the London Underground to power systems that monitor critical assets. These companies’ collaboration can mean more proactive equipment maintenance and asset monitoring. Instead of solving a problem after it’s happened, using M2M technology being aware before and when it happens, and being able to fix it before it’s disruptive. The technology is expected to improve customer service levels on the London Underground by 30 percent and save 30 percent on the cost of running the rail support network.
Visit M2M Evolution for more stories you may have missed this week, and be sure to keep up with the latest news, trends, partnerships and resources in the future. Have a great weekend.