community internet – Lifeboat News: The Blog https://lifeboat.com/blog Safeguarding Humanity Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:46:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 IOT needs decentralized, long-range connectivity. It’s finally coming https://lifeboat.com/blog/2020/01/tiny-long-range-connectivity-heralds-iot Sun, 12 Jan 2020 04:08:03 +0000 https://lifeboat.com/blog/?p=100710 No matter how cheap or fast paid internet service gets, the Internet of Things (IOT) won’t take wings until we have ubiquitous access to a completely decentralized, open-standard network that does not require a provider subscription. This month, we may be a step closer.

Let’s talk about internet connected gadgets. Not just your phone or PC—and not even a microwave oven or light bulb. Instead, think of everyday objects that are much smaller and much less expensive. Think of things that seemingly have no need to talk with you.

Now think of applications in which these tiny things need to communicate with each other and not just with you. Think of the cost of this “thing” compared to the added cost of continuous communications. Do so many things really need to talk in the first place?

First, there were Trackers…

Have you tried one of those tracking devices that help you find a lost bicycle or wallet? Tile is the most visible brand. They offer trackers shaped like dog tag, a fat button or a credit card. They recently began offering users the ability to replace the battery. In the past, you had to buy new trackers every year.

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