Posts Tagged ‘mobile app’

TOP 10 OPEN SOURCE TOOLS FOR IOT APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Written by Brooks Canavesi on . Posted in Blog, Mobile App Development, Technology Tips & Tricks, Technology trends

Predictions from Gartner paint a clear picture of a future that relies on countless interconnected smart devices just as much as we do on computers and smartphones. According to their predictions, there will be 26 billion Internet of Things devices installed in 2020, generating $300 billion in revenue for manufacturers and service providers and making a $1.9 trillion impact on the global economy.

This article gives an overview of top 10 open source tools for IoT application development. These tools represent a great entry point into this exciting field, which hides a tremendous amount of opportunities for those who are not afraid to learn new things and challenge the current way of life.

1. Arduino Ethernet Shield

The popular open-source electronic prototyping platform used in conjunction with Arduino Ethernet Shield is the perfect hardware combination for simple IoT projects and even more sophisticated applications. All that users have to do in order to control their creations from anywhere in the world is to connect the Arduino board to the Internet with an RJ45 cable and complete a basic setup procedure.

Compared to some heavyweight representatives of the IoT-ready single-board computers, such as the Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone, Arduino is very inexpensive, available virtually anywhere in the world, and used by thousands of enthusiastic users, who love to share their creations with others. Documentation is plentiful and so is the inspiration to turn this wonderful device into something of a great use.

2. Eclipse IoT Project

Eclipse IoT strives to simplify IoT development by implementing IoT standards like MQTT, CoAP, LWM2M, and oneM2M. MQTT is a machine-to-machine (M2M)/”Internet of Things” connectivity protocol and the base for the Eclipse Paho project, which provides open-source client implementations of MQTT and MQTT-SN messaging protocols aimed at new, existing, and emerging applications for M2M and IoT.

CoAP stands for The Constrained Application Protocol, and it is a specialized web transfer protocol for use with constrained nodes and constrained networks in the Internet of Things. Lightweight M2M (LWM2M) and oneM2M were created to ensure the most efficient deployment of M2M communications systems.

Together, these standards and tools represent a comprehensive toolkit for any Java programmer who would like to branch out from his or her daily routine.

3. OpenHAB

This vendor- and hardware-neutral open source automation software is designed to let smart devices talk to one another and allow users to add new features to them. openHAB is developed in Java, which makes it possible to run it on any device that is capable of running a JVM. It comes with different web-based UIs as well as native UIs for iOS and Android, and provides APIs for being integrated into other systems.

Creators of OpenHAB recognized that proprietary smart devices quickly become obsolete, incompatible, and unable to meet security requirements of modern-day users. Their solution leverages data from all available subsystems and integrates them into one cohesive package. The tool received a People’s Choice Winner at the Postscapes IoT Awards 2014/15 and the Duke’s Choice Award 2013.

4. RIOT OS

RIOT is an open-source operating system developed by a grassroots community to power various Internet of Things solution. When compared to regular Linux or other IoT operating systems, such as Tiny OS and Contiki, RIOT supports both C and C++, comes with multi-threading with ultra-low threading overhead (<25 bytes per thread), real-time capability due to ultra-low interrupt latency (~50 clock cycles) and priority-based scheduling, and excellent modularity.

There’s even a native port of RIOT that allows developers who are not familiar with embedded programming to run RIOT inside a process on Linux or Mac OS. All code is hosted on GitHub and the provided wiki contains plenty of useful information to get started with RIOT.

5. Thinger.io

Thinger.io provides a ready to go scalable cloud infrastructure that can be controlled with their easy to use admin console, or integrated into a business logic with REST API. The entire project is open-source and completely hardware agnostic. The ready-to-use scalable cloud infrastructure allows for easy deployment of your own infrastructure, both in local machines or in the cloud.

As such, Thinger.io essentially eliminates the need to select a compatible vendor hardware and use bloated software to accomplish very simple things.

6. OpenIoT

OpenIoT is a joint effort of prominent open source contributors who want to provide support for cloud-based and utility-based sensing services. This middleware will support flexible configuration and deployment of algorithms for collection, and filtering information streams stemming from the internet-connected objects, while at the same time generating and processing important business/applications events, according to OpenIoT’s GitHub page.

The entire architecture consists of three main planes: the Utility/Application Plane, the Virtualized Plane and the Physical Plane. Each plane includes several elements, such as the Request Definition, Request Presentation and Configuration and Monitoring components. OpenIoT comes with a built-in Scheduler, Cloud Data Storage, and even Service Delivery & Utility Manager.

7. IoTSyS

OpenIoT is not the only integration middleware for the Internet of Things in existence; there is also IoTSyS, which provides a communication stack for embedded devices based on IPv6, Web services and oBIX to provide interoperable interfaces for smart objects. The main objective of IoTSyS is to leverage the power of existing automation systems and sensors and use it easily create and deploy a new solution, while addressing security, discovery, and scalability issues.

8. Freeboard

Not to be mistaken with the unique skateboard, Freeboard is an elegant dashboard for the IoT. It allows anyone to quickly build real-time, interactive dashboards and visualizations using the intuitive drag & drop interface. The dashboard stands on top of a secure, high-performance, enterprise-class cloud system and the entire project is open-source and publically hosted on GitHub.

It features seamless integration with dweet.io, or access any web-based API, the ability to select from a growing list of included widgets, and instant sharing via email, SMS, and social networks. Some notable examples include The Heising-330, which is a modern, internet-connected, and fully automated continuous still, built by and for the craft distillery and a prototype of air quality monitoring dashboard.

9. Interstacks

“Interstacks are snap-together electronic blocks and Stackbuilder visual authoring tool. In minutes, invent any smart devices you can imagine. Then connect them to each other and the internet. Interstacks empowers you to become master of your internet of things universe, according to the official website.

Getting started with Interstacks is made simple thanks to the modular approach and desktop applications for Windows and Mac built around the Phyton programming language. The holistic approach to prototyping allows users to configure their system of devices and internet services, build macros, and write rules to automate systems.  Maya Design created Interstacks & Stackbuilder products with decades of user interface / user experience (UI/UX – HCD) expertise guiding their innovative and intuitive approach.   The Stackbuilder interface is a visual authoring tool (drag-and-drop) that enables the user to build, test and tweak their stacks in a very intuitive fashion.  The concept of rapid prototyping lives at the core of this product line.

10. Zetta

Built on Node.js, Zetta is an open source platform for creating Internet of Things servers that run across geo-distributed computers and the cloud. Zetta achieves this by combining REST APIs, WebSockets and reactive programming.

Once installed, Zetta servers can run everywhere and have no problems communicating with Arduino, Spark Core, and other microcontrollers. Coding is simplified by a series of helpful abstractions that allow developers to focus on the big picture and not get too bogged down with insignificant details.

Conclusion

Even though these 10 tools cover everything from application development to middleware and home automation suite, we have barely scratched the surface of what’s currently available. The Internet of Things is going to be one of the several key technologies of the future and the knowledge of its common building blocks (no pun intended “interstacks”) is likely to prove extremely useful.

SMART CLOTHING: THE NEXT WAVE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

Written by Brooks Canavesi on . Posted in Blog, Technology trends

It seems that we have finally reached the point where wearable device manufacturers are able to look beyond the fitness industry and start coming up with interesting ideas for the next wave of wearable technology that would be equally useful for those who spend most of their days in business attire and even improve the overall accuracy of measurements.

Chris Harrison, an assistant professor of human-computer interaction who leads the Future Interfaces Group at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) explains that “You can make millions of smart watches that are identical, but you have millions of people who are not identical.” The individual variations in the thickness of our wrists, the amount of fat we store in the area, or even how much we sweat can profoundly influence the accuracy of measurements. Furthermore, wrists are exposed to plenty of abuse throughout the day, making them even less suitable as the place for an expensive, high-end gadget.

OMSignal, Hexo Skin, Samsung, Google, and Under Armour have introduced smart clothes that abandon wrists in favor of less conspicuous body parts. OMbra by OMsignal uses a cutting-edge biometric fabric and integrated sensors to measure user’s heart rate, balance, breathing, stamina levels, distance traveled, calories burned, and plenty more. A similar product aimed at men is called Enflux. Instead of just a sports bra, Enflux Exercise Clothing consists of “a compression shirt and pants with ten small embedded motion sensors,” according to the Kickstarter campaign. Because the suit can capture all body parts at once, athletes can replay their performance using 3D animations with useful metrics, which include the precise angle and velocity of the body parts. Other highly similar fitness-oriented products include the MyZone Sports Bra, the Lumo Run shorts, the LikeAGlove leggings, the Athos shirt and shorts, or the sports bra from Victoria’s Secret.

This new wave of smart fitness products is powered by several innovative technologies, which “allow for the ‘detection, transmission and protection of electrical signals’ within smart clothing,” explains General Manager of Noble Biomaterials, Bennett Fisher, who added that “Once the sensor is inside the clothing, what you’re wearing becomes a sensor.” A similar technology was presented during Google I/O 2015 by the founder of Google Project Jacquard, Ivan Poupyrev. In their own words, the technology makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms. That means that everyday objects such as clothes and furniture can be transformed into interactive surfaces. They achieve this by intertwining a conductive metal core with conventional fibers that can be dyed any color. Unsurprisingly, some of the biggest clothes manufacturers in the world, including Levi’s, are already exploring way how they could use this technology to create something their customers would love.

The current selection of everyday smart clothes revolves mostly around the NFC technology. A great example is a smart suit from Samsung. It was built in collaboration with Rogatis. Those who are willing to spend around $500 on it can enjoy the ability to unlock their phone, or digitally swap business cards. The Lyle & Scott contactless jacket throws in a contactless payment chip found in credit cards to make contactless payments even more convenient.

So, how long it could take to see the technology used outside of the fitness industry? Quite a long time, actually. “Building these products [health-oriented smart devices] takes lots of time. Testing, simulations, modeling, prototyping, and problem-solving are all more extensive when you need to make sure the devices can stand up to the requirements of daily wear, such as frequent exposure to sweat and water”, explains Rachel Metz in her article for Technology Review.

That being said, the competition to be the first to dominate the market is fierce. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a promising technology that allows smart clothes or adjusts the temperature based on wearer’s individual needs. Such technology has a lot of potential for the health care industry, police officers, firemen, outdoor workers, and even small babies, who already are the target audience for products such as Exmobaby, Owlet Baby Care, and MonBaby from MonDevices.

The first mentioned is like a baby monitor on steroids. This smart garment can tell whether the baby is sleeping, check the vital signs, and keep the parents up to date with its Wi-Fi and 3G wireless capability. The other two products follow a very similar formula, each with its own distinct set of features and overall value propositions.

With all these innovations taking place all around us, it’s easy to see how the future of smart clothing is going to look like: it’s going to be more practical, less fitness-oriented, and infinitely more embraced by customers of all walks of life.

Enterprise Mobility in the Cloud Era

Written by Brooks Canavesi on . Posted in Mobile App Development, Software & App Sales, Technology trends

Mobile devices and their use for business and personal purposes have transformed our lives and changed the way we work. Companies that allow employees to bring their own devices to workplace have first-hand seen many advantages of this approach to personal computing, but they also have noticed a handful of potentially serious issues. In this article, we are considering the current state of enterprise mobility, and what kind of transformation it will have to undergo to successfully enter the cloud era.

As described by Tech Target in their extensive handbook on mobile application management, work habits are shifting, as more employees work from home using their own devices and the power of the Internet. Indeed, one in every five people are estimated to work from home at least one day a week, and the total share of remote workers could reach 63 percent by the end of the year 2018.

That’s because telecommuters are, again and again, shown to be able to accomplish more in less time and greatly decrease the total overhead cost. A great example is when Washington accidentally saved approximately $32 million during 4 official snow days, which forced federal employees to work from home.

But it’s not all about cost and effectiveness, either. One of the main reasons why employees themselves prefer to avoid office environments is the much lower stress level, according to a study by PGI, the global leader in web conferencing and collaboration technology. Employees who are not dreading their daily trip to work are 69 percent less likely to avoid work, they feel more connected with their work and colleagues, and can feel good about their positive impact on the environment.

With such amazing benefits to enterprise mobility, it’s paramount that businesses manage to overcome all current problems and allow customers and employees to seamlessly interact with the company using their own devices. Cloudbook suggests that “As 70% of the North American workforce is now mobile, cloud-based environments require a transparent mobile policy management strategy.”

Currently, most employees who are allowed to work remotely use a mixed approach, which combines company-provided tools and technologies with employees’ own infrastructure and habits. For example, an employee can use pre-configured remote desktop application to connect to his work computer, download company files on his or her own hard drive, transfer these files onto an USB flash drive, conduct the actual work from a desktop computer, where it is automatically backed up to the employee’s personal cloud storage solution, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

Not only is the company put into a vulnerable position in terms of privacy and data security, but they also rely on the employee’s technical ability to navigate the vast jungle of technological solutions. Enterprises will need to go beyond the now traditional “mobile first” approach, and conduct a deep assortment of users’ needs, while placing the highest priority on data protection and security.

Several possible solutions already exist and include the use of virtual mobile infrastructure (VMI) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers. The goal is always the same: to run all applications remotely and store their data in a remote data center, rather than on computers and mobile devices of individual employees.

Companies can greatly decrease their informational technology spending by using pre-built tools as the foundation upon which they can expand and create their own custom-built tools and solutions. These can benefit from integrated monitoring and statistics gathering services to allow for Big Data analysis and subsequent optimization of all internal processes.

What’s more, with everything neatly stored under one roof, access control can be easily managed by a very small team of skilled support staff members, and employees can enjoy a much greater level of protection against their own mistakes, which could otherwise lead to security breaches and costly data leaks.

Given that the latest IDC report  indicates that mobile technology spending is likely to reach $1.2 trillion by 2019, we can expect to see a profound transformation in a very short period of time. Entire company networks are likely to migrate to the cloud, and employees will be given a tightly restricted access to a consistent set of platform-independent tools and applications to do their job.

The obvious winners are third-party companies like my firm OpenArc who specialize in providing and managing the necessary infrastructure and platforms. However, progressive businesses can also expect a great return their investment and high employee satisfaction and productivity.

Mobile App Monetization – Make It Rain

Written by Brooks Canavesi on . Posted in Mobile App Development, Technology trends

2014 marked the year where there were more connected mobile devices than people on this planet. It’s pivotal to how we think about mobile application development and wearable technology. So how do you get paid as an app developer?

Entrepreneurs and developers looking to monetize apps have a few options at their disposal:
1) Pay per download (need a killer app for people to pay today)
2) In-app advertising (need a ton of users)
3) In-app purchases
4) Freemium version
5) Free – sell user data (need millions of users to play this card)

Remember nothing is free in the mobile app world.
A wise man once told me: If something is “Free” to you, then “You” are the product! #sageadvice