What’s Next for Connected Devices?

The idea of connected living is frequently associated with simplifying our lives through streamlining our devices. However, as people look for ways for connected devices to truly have a meaningful impact, there is a drive to move beyond simplification, towards meeting deeper human needs – the need for protection and assistance within our daily lives. In other words, the next wave of connected devices should help us address issues around our physical health, our mental wellbeing, our safety and security and allow us to better connect with our loved ones.

So, what are some of the latest devices that address these needs?

Cuptime, out of China, is a smart cup that allows consumers to track their hydration levels. The plastic cup connects wirelessly to a cellphone, allowing consumers to monitor their water intake based on their height and weight.

Vigo is wearable device that tracks alertness through blinking and body movement, which syncs the data to a mobile app. When Vigo detects tiredness, it ‘nudges’ the wearer via customizable smartphone settings, including gentle vibrations and energizing audio tracks.

Toymail a device I recently checked out at NY Tech Day, is a range of talking toys that allow parents to stay in touch with their kids when traveling. The wifi enabled ‘Mailmen’ sync with an iOS app that allows parents to record and save voicemail messages, which are played through the toy in each character’s voice.

Implication: Each of these products as well as a number of others, such as Nest, make it clear that the next phase of connected living revolves around helping consumers enhance their lives.

Reposted in Tribal Worldwide's Smoke Signals.

A Life Connected

This article is a repost of an article I wrote for Tribal Worldwide's Smoke Signals
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The proliferation of smart consumer electronics intended to improve certain areas of life is not new. Nike+ allows us to quantify our personal fitness goals. Netflix gives us the opportunity to tap into on-demand entertainment. And Nest thermostat automatically adjusts room temperatures based on circumstantial factors.

However, only now are frameworks being developed to allow the devices to communicate with one another.

In the near future, we can expect that our devices will communicate across all facets of our lives: what you wear, where you live and/or work, how you receive goods, how you travel, how you purchase and how you connect with others. Ultimately everything will be connected to the point that all technology will be seamless and innate.

Implication: By combining the unique value from each product there is an opportunity to create a much more powerful benefit for the consumer. To learn more about this trend, check out PSFK’s Future of Home Living.