The Internet of Things (IoT) is exploding, promising greater comfort and convenience in our daily lives for years ahead. Major tech giants are partnering to dominate this booming market.
The latest alliance? Samsung and Microsoft. Samsung is investing heavily in IoT devices powered by Windows 10. Here's the backstory and what it means for your smart home.
Samsung and Microsoft have a solid 30-year history of collaboration on Windows devices, maintaining amicable relations unlike some rivals. At CES 2016, they showcased the impressive Samsung Galaxy TabPro S 2-in-1 tablet. The real highlight was Samsung's IoT keynote, where Microsoft's Bryan Roper and Terry Myerson joined Samsung Business Solutions Unit President Dr. Won-Pyo Hong onstage.
They announced an expanded IoT partnership and demoed integration with Microsoft services like Cortana.
Dr. Hong explained Samsung's "IoTivity" strategy encompasses chip manufacturing, devices, and services—but needs a robust platform. "The platform is integral to Samsung's IoT strategy," Myerson noted. Both share a vision for billions of interconnected devices using open standards.
With over 75% of U.S. households owning Windows devices and Samsung's vast product lineup, this duo has massive reach and potential.
The CES demo featured Cortana checking a washing machine's status, displaying cycle progress, load details per family member, and setting finish alerts. It also showed usage stats for TVs and hi-fis, plus fridge capacity.
Early features may seem niche, but the potential is huge for seamless home automation. Roper emphasized openness and collaboration for more productive homes.
Details on launches remain vague. Expect Cortana integration in Samsung appliances, Windows 10 on smart fridges and washers, or a dedicated Cortana app on Samsung phones?
Picture this: Windows 10 on your Samsung oven, washer, fridge, dishwasher, and AC. Say, "Cortana, set heat to 18 degrees, preheat oven to 220, alert me when laundry's done." Sensors make it effortless.
Or control everything remotely from your Windows PC—pre-warm your home from the office or car, or from the couch.
Time will tell if this partnership endures amid rising competition. What do you think? Would you use IoT devices? Any concerns?
Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear them.
