Seven months ago, writing on the coming age of pervasive computing (all things computerized), I wrote that I don't think this age is here yet. I'm happy to say that I believe I was wrong.
A Techcrunch article taught me about Twine, an ingenious gadget, which may be the solution for making home equipment computerized.
Twine is a small rubber square which comes with WiFi connectivity and several possible sensors. It connects to a web app which enables programming the sensors to send messages when an even takes place. For example, you can glue the Twine to your laundry machine, and program the accelerometer to message that the laundry is over, when it no longer senses movement. Twine can SMS, Twitter, Email and send HTTP requests.
Techcrunch tells that "The basic Twine comes with an internal temperature sensor and an internal accelerometer, and the Twine guys are making optional external sensors including a magnetic switch for doors, a moisture sensor and a breakout board for those of you that want to create your own DIY sensor action. " There are clearly many possibilities for many sensors and many applications.
All of a sudden, it is not very complicated or expensive to make regular furniture and home equipment into computerized hardware. This is clearly not the whole solution. Developments in Robotics, electricity, electronics, communications, computing and above all - in design will make the computerized age much more an age of things being done than just data being transferred. But Twine is a clear step within the space of the pervasive age, and not just another leading to it.
Btw, you can be an early twiner. They are seeking funding on kickstarter.
A Techcrunch article taught me about Twine, an ingenious gadget, which may be the solution for making home equipment computerized.
Twine is a small rubber square which comes with WiFi connectivity and several possible sensors. It connects to a web app which enables programming the sensors to send messages when an even takes place. For example, you can glue the Twine to your laundry machine, and program the accelerometer to message that the laundry is over, when it no longer senses movement. Twine can SMS, Twitter, Email and send HTTP requests.
Techcrunch tells that "The basic Twine comes with an internal temperature sensor and an internal accelerometer, and the Twine guys are making optional external sensors including a magnetic switch for doors, a moisture sensor and a breakout board for those of you that want to create your own DIY sensor action. " There are clearly many possibilities for many sensors and many applications.
All of a sudden, it is not very complicated or expensive to make regular furniture and home equipment into computerized hardware. This is clearly not the whole solution. Developments in Robotics, electricity, electronics, communications, computing and above all - in design will make the computerized age much more an age of things being done than just data being transferred. But Twine is a clear step within the space of the pervasive age, and not just another leading to it.
Btw, you can be an early twiner. They are seeking funding on kickstarter.
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