Tech industry pundits are predicting that 2014 will be the year that the long-heralded “Internet of Things” really takes hold. Recent advances in computer hardware have made all kinds of fascinating applications possible, moving us toward a hyper-connected world in which technology and the “real world” interact in exciting new ways.
Insiders predict that this year will see explosive growth in computer hardware that supports the continued development and advancement of the Internet of Things, as well as the smart technologies that provide access to it. This growth will be underpinned by three key factors:
- The Internet of Things’ expanded impact on everyday life – By 2015, an estimated 25 billion objects will be connected to the Internet of Things, including everything from your house and your vehicle to your alarm clock and your bank account. This will create what is being called a connectivity “ecosystem,” enabling extremely specific customization of technology applications.
- Powerful new connectivity platforms – If a hardware platform that supports the connectivity of a wide range of “real-world” devices emerges this year, it could be a game-changer. Industry insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before a platform that does for the Internet of Things what the iOS did for mobile apps appears. Most believe that will happen sooner rather than later.
- Crowdfunding – Thanks to open-source funding, it’s not just venture capitalists and deep-pocketed companies who have the ability to influence technology development. Everyday people can pool their resources to get behind they projects they want to see come to fruition. The crowdfunding industry is expected to double in size in 2014, reaching a global volume of over $10 billion.
As the result of rapid growth in smart technologies, Internet of Things app developers will have unprecedented opportunities to bring powerful new software products to the market. Smartphones and other Internet-connected devices will take on new roles, essentially serving as “remote control systems” for practically every aspect of everyday life. The Internet of Things will also disrupt traditional industries, creating even more inroads for software developers.
iPhone app development in San Francisco and across the country will take on new forms of technology in 2014. Talented mobile app developers can help manufacturers and hardware engineers make a fluid transition into this bold new commercial landscape.