The Internet of Things: The Real Future of Tech
According to Moore's Law, in the simplest way possible, the improvement in computer circuit board technology with explode exponentially doubling every following year, until it reaches a peak where parts cannot get any smaller. Yes, the size of one atom is as small as anything can ever get. This means the ability to process, store and transmit information doubles every other year while the cost halves.
We are at a point where scientists are already looking for ways to extend the bell curve of this industry, possibly by advancing the conductivity of the circuit board itself using Graphene. Anyway the point is that computer chips are so mass-produced today they probably cost less than water. Now we are getting to the point of the article.
Almost everything that can be fitted with a computer around us most probably already have. From watches to televisions to washing machine and refrigerators. But that's not even the half of it. Traffic lights are computerised. Even the water piping under the streets are computerised. The problem is, though, that despite their 'smartness' almost none of them communicate with each other.
But of course! Some companies develop some programs and try very hard to prevent cross-platform compatibility. They say it's for security but honestly they're just trying to keep the money flowing around their line of products and services. This business model however, is already starting to fall apart.
For starters, Google made a giant leap by introducing Android to the world and making it open-source. And Android had to be linux-based, the only competent operating system in the world that has been open-sourced since the dawn of time ( I exaggerated that last bit, but I'm sure you know that). While every other technology giant in the world are competing to build the wearable device, Google went ahead to build an entire infrastructure for the Internet of Things. And by making Android open-sourced, they can do it with the help from all technology hardware makers in the world.
Now now before you go blasting me for being a G-Sheep, hear me out first. There was a time when Google was just a search engine company. Then they went on to provide an array of the best services of its time for free! Some of the most epic services included Google Maps, Gmail, Google Earth and Google Drive. Then they figured that for the Internet of Things to work, the entire world needed Internet connection. And BOOM! Project Loon.
Theoretically the Internet of Things should work like this: Traffic lights are controlled by computers and changing switch modes based on traffic flow density passing through their sensors. Water pipelines below these streets have sensors detecting pressure to know if there are any leakages. Imagine if the pipelines are able to automatically communicate with traffic lights, telling them to completely block the streets when a severe leakage is detected that could risk road collapse. Then the traffic lights will send information to, say Google Maps or Waze, diverting all drivers away from the affected streets. These information would ping road users via the HUD in their cars or Google Glass.
Imagine too that with Android, Google can potentially do the following: An Android-powered mobile phone syncs with an Android-Powered car entertainment system, a Chromecast, an Android-powered television, an Android-powered home security and management system, an Android-powered gaming console, an Android-powered projector, an Android-powered.... You get the point.
I hope that other technology companies would stop holding on tightly to the little values they have and start looking further into the future. Google is taking a giant leap by leading on the Internet of Things, and so far there isn't a single competitor in sight. As much as it is nice to hear Google, being a 'do no evil' company, taking the initiative, let us hope that a competent competitor joins the race. Because competition is always good for consumers.
