The Internet of Things (IoT) is well on its way to becoming one of the more popular global industries as household appliances and security systems go online. In the last decade, we’ve watched cell phones evolve from basic devices that could only make phone calls into pocket-sized computers that many of us would be lost without. I’m not saying we’re on our way to using our internet-connected dishwashers to play Flappy Bird, but the IoT evolution, like cell phones, is moving into a new era complete with its own cellular network.

The evolution of the IoT means that this technology is moving beyond just consumer electronics and utilities, and into transportation, healthcare, agriculture and environment, construction, and intelligent buildings. As we prepare for nearly everything to have an internet connection, we cannot ignore the amount of bandwidth that could potentially be used to connect the IoT. With worries already mounting over reaching current bandwidth limits and our ability to improve infrastructure to ensure better and faster connectivity to meet the demands of use, adding the IoT could cause us to reach bandwidth limits even faster. Wouldn’t it be great if someone created a network just for the IoT?  Well, someone did create such a network and it’s not only global, but will finally be coming to the U.S.

France-based company SigFox recently agreed to create a cellular network strictly for IoT use in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco area. While this is a new development in the U.S., SigFox’s services are already active in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. The creation of a cellular network strictly for the use of IoT connectivity will free up bandwidth used for standard internet use by computers and cell phones, allowing the faster connectivity that users have become accustomed to, to continue as usual. But concerns over bandwidth will continue as new internet-based technologies are created. For now, however, IoT may not be a threat to that.

SigFox has chosen the perfect area to test their IoT cellular network. The Silicon Valley-Bay Area is one of the largest technology hubs in the country.  Because of this, the search for a decent internet connection is at an all-time high and anything that can be done do decrease the number of connections on their geographic network is welcomed.  Although the IoT is gaining popularity nationally, this area has an abundance of consumers who are already operating IoT technologies.  If Sigfox’s IoT-only network is well received, this could become a guide for the rest of the country.  In fact, American companies like Qualcomm have also begun developing machine-only networks, which shows there could be considerable competition in the near future. More competition will allow costs for IoT connectivity to decrease and will free up space on the current network. In all, this is a win for consumers.

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Teerah Goodrum (@AisleNotes), is a recent Graduate of Howard University with a concentration in Public Administration and Public Policy. Her time on Capitol Hill as a Science and Technology Legislative Assistant has given her insight into the tech community. In her spare time she enjoys visiting her favorite city, Seattle, and playing fantasy football.

Featured image courtesy of [Geralt via Pixabay]

Teerah Goodrum

Teerah Goodrum is a Graduate of Howard University with a Masters degree in Public Administration and Public Policy. Her time on Capitol Hill as a Science and Technology Legislative Assistant has given her insight into the tech community. In her spare time she enjoys visiting her favorite city, Seattle, and playing fantasy football. Contact Teerah at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post The IoT-Only Network is a Big Win for Consumers appeared first on Law Street.

Whenever I search for the latest technology, I realize that we’re about to live a Star Trek-like existence. Live long and prosper people. Due to advances in computer capabilities, the creation of the internet, and increasing production of smart technologies, we’re moving on to the final frontier with wearable technologies. It seems like the most obvious next step right? With the release of Pebble in 2013, a smartwatch created by Pebble Technology and based on Eric Migicovsky’s design, people are now able to use their watches to communicate with Android and iOS devices.  Even more exciting, Pebble has just released their own App Store where consumers can find apps like Tweeble and PebbleBucks. For those of us who can’t step away from Twitter, Tweeble gives you access to Twitter and maintains many of the same functions as the normal app, including the ability to compose a tweet. With PebbleBucks, you’re now able to purchase your next Starbucks chai tea (I love those) from your watch. Yay!

I place technology like Pebble in the win column, and I may continue winning with wearable technology moving into fashion. A Montreal-based company known as OMsignal Technology has created bio-sensor garments, including a compression shirt. OMsignal Technology (who has raised $1.2 million from Real Ventures, Golden Ventures, Mistral Ventures and David Cohen) has created a compression garment that is waterproof, has moisture management, and even odor control. The garment is able to connect through Bluetooth to update the information obtained by the built-in sensors and display this information on the company’s OMsignal app. The app provides real-time data on heart rate, breathing, and activity. Also, the shirt is able to have continual data capture even if you’re not near your phone. OMsignal’s co-founder, Stephane Marceau, believes that apparel companies will increasingly embed sensors into clothing to transmit physiological data in real time. Take a look at the commercial.

This means that the “old days” of wearing devices like smartwatches to provide biofeedback, could be behind us by simply putting on a shirt. Because, you know, smartwatches are so outdated — so 2013. I’m kidding of course, but this is a clear example of how technology is rapidly changing.  I can’t help but be intrigued, and that spurred me do a quick Google search to find out where I can get this new product. I’m telling you now, don’t waste your time searching. I haven’t found any information that OMsignal’s bio-sensor compression shirt has been released. What I do know is that Marceau and partners would prefer major performance apparel brands like Nike and UnderArmour integrate OMsignal’s technology with their fashions. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities of the technology, but we have a few people out there who won’t let us live happily.

The major concern with this technology is how will it be used. Yes consumers may want to use the garments in the exact way that the commercial indicates. However, what if this information was hacked or given away? I have written about the Internet of Things, and wearable technologies would also be considered an IoT. The more technology used and data captured, the more we open ourselves up to being monitored. Many have questioned the possibility of the information being given to insurance companies, and how that may affect coverage and price. I wish I could answer these questions for all of the people interested in the product, but the technology is so new that I can’t begin to tell you which way this will go. OMsignal has created this technology to promote healthier living but we all know the saying, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I truly hope the technology will be used for its intended purposes and that safety measures are implemented to protect consumers. Whatever the case, I’m excited to see what comes of this technology, and I look forward to buying it in the future.

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Teerah Goodrum (@AisleNotes), is a graduate student at Howard University with a concentration in Public Administration and Public Policy.  Her time on Capitol Hill as a Science and Technology Legislative Assistant has given her insight into the tech community.  In her spare time she enjoys visiting her favorite city, Seattle, and playing fantasy football!

Featured image courtesy of [Eric Steuer via Flickr]

Teerah Goodrum

Teerah Goodrum is a Graduate of Howard University with a Masters degree in Public Administration and Public Policy. Her time on Capitol Hill as a Science and Technology Legislative Assistant has given her insight into the tech community. In her spare time she enjoys visiting her favorite city, Seattle, and playing fantasy football. Contact Teerah at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

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