The 10 Coolest IoT Products Of 2015 (So Far)
Interesting In IoT
The Internet of Things has resulted in a lot of interesting "smart" gadgets and platforms aimed at making life -- and work -- a little easier.
IoT presents a big opportunity for solution providers to help end customers store, sort though, and make sense of the data that connected IoT products generate.
Here are our picks for the 10 coolest IoT products of the first half of 2015.
Monnit Mine
Midvale, Utah-based IoT provider Monnit released Monnit Mine this month. Monnit Mine is a software platform that can be used to integrate sensors and gateways with software systems. The integration allows Monnit wireless sensors to communicate with management platforms to remotely monitor information such as temperature, light, humidity, vibration and movement.
Monnit partners can sell Monnit-branded products or brand the solutions as their own.
Cisco CIVS-IPC-7070 & CIVS-IPC-3050
Cisco Systems introduced two new IP security cameras this year as part of its IoT ecosystem. The CIVS-IPC-7070 is a 5-megapixel HD dome camera, and the CIVS-IPC-3050 is a 720p mobile dome camera. Both cameras provide situational awareness that allows the lens to adjust its focus where it's needed, even under challenging lighting conditions, according to the San Jose, Calif., company.
Both the 7070 and 3050 come in wired or wireless models. The cameras have built-in analytics, and can be integrated with sensors and controllers to give users a better view of on-site conditions.
AT&T M2X
In the beginning of 2015, AT&T, based in Dallas, rolled out its M2X cloud-based data storage service and management toolset. The platform helps businesses gather real-time data from connected machines within their environment.
The platform allows businesses to monitor the status of remote devices and equipment, such as trucks, turbines, vending machines and thermometers.
ARM Cortex-M
ARM, a U.K.-based chip maker, has re-released its Cordio IP chip now known as the ARM Cortex-M chip. These upgraded chips are now able to support Bluetooth 4.2 wireless, and can reduce power consumption so that connected devices stay connected for longer.
The family of Cortex-M chips can be used within sensors, such as health monitors, according to the company.
Amazon Echo
Amazon this year introduced its smart-home automation device, Echo. Standing just shy of 10 inches tall, the cylindrical speaker responds to voice commands. Similar to Apple's Siri, Echo’s Alexa can answer user questions around news, weather, and can set alarms. Echo can also play music and control smart devices.
Amazon, Seattle, has made Alexa available to outside developers and partners that will be able to take advantage of Alexa's speech-recognition capabilities.
Dell IoT Gateway
Following the launch of its IoT unit this year, Dell, Round Rock, Texas, has introduced its new IoT Gateway. The unit, which features a dual-core Intel processor, resembles a wireless access point that can be mounted on walls, desks or on a shelf.
The Dell IoT Gateway sits on the edge of the network and can help businesses collect and process data from disparate sensors or automation systems. The Gateway allows specific data to be relayed to the cloud or data center. The Gateway is available in the U.S. and Canada.
Texas Instruments SensorTag IoT
Texas Instruments, Dallas, is now offering an IoT "starter kit." The SensorTag IoT is a small red package with 10 low-power microelectromechanical system (MEM) sensors. With the sensors, users and developers can connect to the cloud get sensor data online in three minutes. SensorTags are ready to use out the box with an iOS or Android app.
SensorTag includes iBeacon technology so businesses can build their own applications and customize content based on the Tag's location.
Google Nest Cam
As a result of its acquisition of smart security camera maker Dropcam, Google introduced a Web-connected security camera called the Nest Cam.
Google Nest, the Internet giant's smart-home product company, now offers this smart home security camera that lets users zoom in on different areas of their homes. The Nest Cam also includes sound and motion sensing features, according to Google, Mountain View, Calif.
Roost Smart Battery
Sunnyvale, Calif.-based tech startup Roost has created a way for consumers to have smart technology in their homes, without replacing their existing devices. Enter the Roost smart battery.
The 9-volt Roost smart battery can plug into most existing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Users can then check the status of their detectors using an iOS or Android app. Working with the battery, the app allows users to turn alarms off, or see which alarm is sounding or stopped sounding.
Altiux Smart City Systems
Indian technology provider Altiux Innovations unveiled its portfolio for smart cities this month. The two new systems address parking and lighting management.
The Smart parking system can publish intelligent information for finding parking spaces. As well as for parking management. Altuix’s smart lighting system will be able to determine were illumination is needed, without any intervention, to lower costs and save energy.