Open-source lingua franca aims to let IoT devices and services communicate across manufacturers and operating systems. Internet Of factors: 8 Cost-Cutting Ideas For Government (Click image for larger view and slideshow.) The big data vision of a world network of connected devices — called the net of items (IoT) — continues to be slightly fuzzy with quite a lot of unresolved issues. As an example, too many devices communicate only with their manufacturers’ private clouds. And when devices from multiple vendors can’t share information, the IoT is practically DOA. The AllSeen Alliance, a recently launched IoT consortium, hopes to bridge this communication gap by enabling IoT devices to share data — despite manufacturer, brand, operating system, and other tech specs. “While it’s called the web of factors, it’s really more like a number of devices speaking to their very own siloed Internets,” said Liat Ben-Zur, chair of the AllSeen Alliance, in a phone interview with InformationWeek. “The thermostat talks to the thermostat’s cloud, and the... Read More »

Google makes Crimea a part of Russia at the Russian version of Google Maps and draws protests and scrutiny. Twitter Revamp: 10 Things To Know (Click image for larger view and slideshow.) Russia’s ongoing dispute with Ukraine, which to this point has brought about the annexation of Crimea, has presented Google with a controversy: a way to draw national borders in Google Maps at a time when there isn’t any consensus. Google claims that it draws its maps fairly and adjusts local versions as required by local laws. “Google Maps makes every effort to depict disputed regions and contours objectively,” a Google spokesperson told us in an email. “Our Maps product reflects border disputes, where applicable. Where we now have local versions, we follow local regulations for naming and borders.” But Äventyret founder Stefan Geens, who has followed Google’s mapping services for years through his blog Ogle Earth, took issue Tuesday with the malleability of borders on Google Maps. He argues that Google has created... Read More »

We’ve lost control to business users before. But this time, the object that initiated our pain (the cloud) will also be the cure. Over the last 35 years I’ve seen technologies come and go. For the foremost part, i’m able to drop them into certainly one of three buckets. (Maintaining a tally of greater than three is difficult at my age.) The first bucket is technologies that move the industry forward — Ethernet on twisted pair other than coax, mini computers rather than mainframes, routers as opposed to bridges, tablets other than laptops. Second are technologies which are the equivalent of pet rocks — a good number of fanfare, big flash, didn’t last within the real world. I actually have some in mind, but within the interest of not starting a flame war, I’ll just ask you to share your favorites within the comments. The third, and smallest, bucket holds tech that disrupts the best way we do business. Users won’t wait to adopt these... Read More »

Early version gives developers a glimpse of the way to create Project Ara hardware modules. Does it give Apple and Microsoft more to fret about from Android? On Thursday, Google’s Project Ara made an early version of its Module Developers Kit (MDK) available for download, offering a primary glimpse on the company’s bid to reinvent the mobile industry. Project Ara began as a Motorola Mobility project to create a modular smartphone. When Google sold Motorola to Lenovo, it retained Motorola’s Advanced Technologies and Projects (ATAP) group, headed by Regina Dugan, former director of america Defense Department’s DARPA. The MDK contains the software and specifications essential to begin designing Project Ara hardware modules. These modules will eventually fit such as other modules like Lego bricks. Users will assemble their modules on a frame called an “endo,” short for “endoskeleton.” In theory, it will have several advantages over traditional smartphones. Mobile users should be capable of customize their smartphones to fulfill their needs. They are going to... Read More »

Google Glass Explorer Program would be open to US-based adults on tax day. 20 Great Ideas To Steal In 2014 (Click image for larger view and slideshow.) Once a club for favored developers, Google’s Glass Explorer Program will open its doors to the majority on Tuesday, April 15, starting at 6 a.m. PDT. Adults inside the US are eligible to affix, at a price of $1,500 plus tax — apropos considering April 15th is the deadline to file tax returns within the US. That sum will buy the newest version of Google Glass, the company’s somewhat coveted and surprisingly controversial computerized eyewear. This isn’t the overall consumer release, which presumably remains planned for later this year. “Our Explorers are moms, bakers, surgeons, rockers, and every new Explorer has brought a brand new perspective that’s making Glass better,” Google said via a Google+ post. “But day by day we get requests from those of you who haven’t found a method into this system yet, and we... Read More »