Big Idea in 2014: Your Toaster Gets Chatty

This post is part of a series in which LinkedIn Influencers pick one big idea that will shape 2014. See all the ideas here.

Connectivity will be the technology game changer in 2014. We are moving from a world of connected phones, computers and tablets to a world where many things will connect to the Internet, to other things and even to us. This is often called the Internet of Things (IoT), and it will include just about anything we can think of. While the fully connected world that we dream of may be a ways off still, the IoT is growing quickly and will be a big idea that defines many IT companies and consumer choices in 2014.

This century, we’ve leapt forward in our ability to connect with people anywhere on the planet. From personal computers and laptops to cell phones and now smartphones, we each carry with us multiple devices that can connect to the Internet, no matter where we are. This gives us more freedom to connect with people, whether we’re contacting our loved ones, or working remotely.

More, cloud computing now allows our various devices to connect with each other. Our mobile phones, tablets and PCs can connect with one another and share information. This opens up countless possibilities for greater integration in our day-to-day lives, as more objects become capable of connecting. Very soon we’ll be seeing not just tablets and PCs, but ordinary objects, like our coffeemakers and alarm clocks, connecting to the cloud.

Microelectricalmechanical (MEMS)-based sensors are enhancing our devices and increasing connectivity. These sensors can gauge, process and even control the surrounding environment. They are increasingly in our devices like smartphones and tablets. They allow gesture recognition, eye-tracking technology, motion sensors and augmented reality. These sensors are poised to create a more intuitive IoT, with far-reaching implications.

While it’s still in its early stages, we’re seeing the IoT in the world around us now. Smartphones have become ubiquitous around the world, with nearly 22 percent of the global population owning one. As of 2008, there were more connected objects on the planet than people. According to Cisco, we’re on track to see 50 billion connected devices by 2020.

The IoT is widely used in manufacturing, where connected machines can communicate with one another to complete tasks – called machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. Farmers are using M2M technology and sensors to monitor crops and keep track of their livestock. Starbucks will be upgrading all of its stores with connected coffeemakers. The machines will be able to track customer preferences, digitally update recipes and allow managers to control them remotely. In the next year the store also plans to switch to connected refrigerators.

We’re also seeing more connected objects in people’s homes. The Nest thermometer learns the homeowner’s schedule and programs itself to power down while they’re away. Beam’s smart toothbrush monitors dental hygiene and uploads the information to a smartphone app. The Jawbone smart alarm clock wakes you up based on your body’s sleep rhythm so you get the most optimal rest. Fitness trackers like FitBit and multiple fitness apps give people the tools they need to chart and keep their exercise goals. Health apps remind people when to take their medicine.

While each of these innovations are practical and beneficial, I look forward to the day when everything from my keys to my clothes are connected. I could save a lot of time now spent looking for lost items!

The ability to connect will determine how we move forward in consumer technology in 2014. Consumers recognize the incredible possibilities and the convenience of connectivity, and they’re looking for more of it in the consumer technology products they buy and the apps they download. This will be the big idea that defines consumer technology in 2014 and beyond.

Graphic: venimo / shutterstock