SmartGlass and cross-platform, mobile integration.

Until the last couple years the big push for technology companies has been to create stand-alone devices and applications — little islands of technology. But with the surge of mobile devices and wireless connectivity, the more recent push has been to find ways for these stand-alone devices to communicate with each other – or better yet, to interact.
In 2012 Microsoft launched SmartGlass, a developer kit that allows the integration of mobile devices with Xbox 360 gaming systems. And while this was a big deal, it wasn’t the first foray down this path. For several years, OSD has been developing ways for iPhone and Android devices to integrate with other pieces of hardware and software. From a home thermostat that you can control via your phone (https://www.myevolutionconnex.bryant.com) to wireless speakers you can program and stream music to remotely (http://www.klipsch.com/gallery-g17-air), these custom applications are works of pure genius. Why? Because now these devices need to be able to function on their own and in a way to integrate with other devices. A programmable thermostat that was once programmed in a way to best suit the business needs of the manufacturer are now being developed in partnership with application developers to ensure cross-platform functionality. Therefore finding a bridge to connect the thermostat to an iPhone is a complicated thing. But is possible.

Where is this going?

We’ve only just scratched the surface. There are so many devices. So many platforms. So many applications. It’s difficult to really grasp it all. But what we do see is the growing need for consumer-facing technology to integrate across multiple platforms. For data to be shared across devices to make tasks easier, faster, more productive.

Interested in learning more? OSD has created several SmartGlass-like applications and would love to talk about your needs.

What do you think? Too complicated for the lay person or is this something you can get behind?