The “Internet of Things” (IoT) is arguably the hottest topic in
technology right now, even if universal consensus has not been
reached in terms of defining exactly what “it” is. Key words
such as embedded technology, connectivity, convergence and
notions like efficiency and activity lend insight into this mostly
invisible – but very powerful – technology. Simply put, the
Internet of Things enables household or more “traditional”
products to connect with portable, networked devices, like PCs
and smartphones. The Internet of Things is making it possible to
connect anything and everything to the Internet.
Name a product or device and chances are it’s already part of
the IoT, or soon to be connected. At the 2014 International CES
we saw toothbrushes, cookware and clothing using sensors to be
“smart”, safe and efficient. If this sounds like space age innovation,
it is, but the impetus behind this technology is efficiency and
productivity. With this technology, old-fashioned and/or analog
devices increasingly can connect, via sensors, over a network and
share data (think: household appliances, cars and toys).
The numbers are mind-boggling. Every day, new reports are
being released discussing whether the IoT market will be
measured in billions or even trillions by the end of this decade.
IoT sensors are becoming commonplace, and before long will
be expected components of virtually any device or product.
Of course, as the IoT makes ceaseless connectivity a steadily
ubiquitous proposition, we will need to deal with the idea of
spectrum, and how it is controlled and paid for.
Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO, has put matters in
perspective: “We’re seeing an explosion of connected devices that
rely almost exclusively on unlicensed spectrum. The Internet of
Things is proof of the skyrocketing value of unlicensed spectrum.
As we continue to use smarter, connected devices, we need
enough unlicensed spectrum for them to communicate with their
surroundings and one other. Innovators can then harness the
power of the network to give devices more utility than they could
ever have in isolation.