As PR professionals, it's important to be on the cutting edge of technology. This morning at the PRSA Digital Impact Conference, Peter Semmelhack, founder and CEO of Bug Labs, spoke about what's percolating in the world of tech today.
Semmelhack, whose company was featured in MoMA's artificial intelligence exhibit, "Talk to Me," spoke about the next big thing in technology: Integrated social devices, a system he called "The Internet of Things." In other words, "a toaster that can talk to your garage door," Semmelhack said.
Though the toaster and garage door have yet to strike up a conversation, similar technology already exists—and is drawing investors in droves. One example is Nest a "smart" thermostat, who's CEO Tony Fadell is credited with creating the iPod. "It's an anchor for whole automation service around the thermostat," Semmelhack said. Another more tangible example of The Internet of Things in action is the concept of "smart cities." If you're from New York City, you've definitely seen the new Citi Bikes. Those are one facet of a "smart city," as "devices connected to networks that allow you to share them," Semmelhack said. "They are an example of expensive assets used in more efficient ways." Living in a city that's communicating more effectively is more attractive to residents.
The main appeal of The Internet of Things is that it's invisible: "[It's] technology disappearing behind the face of a thing and becoming more valuable," Semmelhack said. So be prepared: That coffee cup you're drinking from or that office chair you're settling into might just be the next big thing.
Follow Lucia Davis: @LKCDavis.