Most items have apps or programs accessible through your home computer, tablet, or smartphone.
SmartThings: This is a version of Ninja block. It is a hub that comes with its own Internet connectivity. It has an open/shut sensor and a motion or presence sensor. It has its own SmartThings app on the iPhone.
RFID Tags: These are already found in many items such as US passports, transportation payments (EZ Pass), access control (entries to schools or buildings), credit cards.
RFID Sensors/Readers: These transmit and receive radio waves distributed from the RFID tags. These can be handheld, fixed/mounted, portal, or similar to a barcode reader.
Twine: This small
plastic square allows objects in your life to talk to you remotely. It has built in sensors which include a temperature,
vibration, and orientation sensors that can alert you when it’s climate changes. It has a simple web app and can expand its
capabilities with external sensors.
These external sensors allow more options such as detecting when you
basements flood, doors are opened, or you can even build your own sensor.
Fitbit: This new
piece of technology is helping people get fit.
It can track your steps, distance, and calories by logging your
food. It also has a weight scale and
alarm. All of their accessories sync
wirelessly to your online or mobile account.
Nike+: This is a small
senor that is placed in the sole of your shoe.
It connects to you iPod or iPhone.
It can track your speed, distance, calories, and time while you workout. When your done you can sync it to your online
account and it will store all the information from your workout.
Ninja Block: This is
a tiny box that has a built in temperature sensor and accelerometer. It can include expansion ports as well as USB
ports. It uses cloud based web page that
can be accessed anywhere with internet.
It can be used to turn on lights or heaters, send messages when the washing
machine cycle has ended, or take a picture and upload it to your page! There are many possibilities and this is a
technology that is still being developed to have even more features.
