The is "internet of things" a concept thatdescribes a wireless network between objects. In a way, it parallels thecurrent network of addressable web pages (aka the "world wide web"),except "the internet of things" would include addressable inanimateobjects that could be anything from your home's refrigerator to the shoes onyour feet. Although this world of web-connected things has been much discussedfor years, we've seen little movement pushing the concept forward. At least,until now.
Tikitag
Recently, we've seen a handful of companies attempting to develop technologiesthat could build an "internet of things." One example is Tikitag, acompany that presented at the DEMO 08 conference. With a Tikitag starter kitand some client software, you can program your own RFID tags so that they cando anything you want them to do. They can launch an application, deliver you toa URL, and so much more.
What's great about Tikitag's tags is that you don't need a specialized RFIDreader in order to scan them - they're compatible with third party readers likeNFC (Near Field Communication) enabled mobile phones. There are already over 40million of these phones available and analysts expect over 250 millions to besold in 2012.
You can get the Tikitag starter kit with one reader and 10 tags for 34.95 Euro+ VAT/$49.95 U.S. Additional Tikitag RFID tags are sold for 19.95 EURO or$29.95 U.S.
Mir:ror
Mir:ror is a device from a company called Violet that detects the objects youshow it and gives them powers. As you wave a device over the USB-attachedmirror, you can trigger applications and multimedia content automatically. The"magic" mirror isn't actually sensing the object itself, but is reactingto an RFID tag placed on the object which then tells your computer what to do.
Those tags are embedded in the company's Ztamps, colorful RFID stamps that youstick on the objects you want to connect. They also work with the company'sother more well-known internet-connected object: the Nabaztag, an adorablerabbit that can deliver anything from ambient information through lights andsounds to verbal information - like when he reads your email or RSS feeds toyou.
Pachube
Pachube is a service that lets you "tag and share real time sensor datafrom objects, devices, buildings and environments around the world. The key aimis to facilitate interaction between remote environments, both physical andvirtual." On their web site, you can either input a feed or use one of thefeeds available. The feeds come from devices, buildings, or interactiveinstallations that are already connected to the internet or that send out SMSmessages. Also supported are Second Life installations.
By registering a feed on the site, you can share your real-time data withother objects, keep historical records of your data, or create online graphs touse in a web page.
Arduino
Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform made up of opensource hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists,and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments - thatis, "the internet of things."
For an example of the type of internet-connected objects you can build withArduino, look at this presentation where the author configured a kid's toy raygun to react when anyone posted on Twitter about the #barcampliverpool hashtag.