NetDevice
A NetDevice may be defined by:
- having a computer core
- having network connectivity
- integrating a service distribution channel
- offering features linked to web resources
A NetDevice can be seen as:
- a network augmented device
- a physical extension of a network resource
Device as a platform
P2P feature creation
Most Internet-enabled devices integrate other parties through community databases. In short, the device's manufacturer has to ensure the low-level hardware, software and web infrastructures, and to open up the platform so that users/clients can create the latest layer.
The available features then contained in the community database represent a new, p2p collaborative way of creating products which are more flexible and modular, because developed to fill in real needs.
Embedded distribution channel, SaaS
For a natural link with an online community, these devices integrate the distribution of third-party code and services.
In this way, it also is a novel vector for selling SaaS (software-as-a-service) products. When cloud computing will have matured, what about live-streaming camcorders or webstorage-powered DVRs ?
Common application areas
- storage: file backup
- video: content libraries, storage services
- software distribution
Existing Devices2.0
Network-enabled devices
- Zonbu: cloud-assisted OS
- Violet's Nabaztag is a home robot that warns of new emails, weather, ... See other Violet web devices
- The Chumby is a small wireless "waker" that can do webradio player, Flickr-powered digital picture frame, interactive pet, ...
- the iPhone provides an integrated software distribution channel
- Network video set-top-boxes
- Web-enabled TVs with NetFlix, Youtube, ...
- Roku's set top box integrates the NetFlix movie on-demand library
- SlingMedia's SlingProjector integrates the NetFlix movie on-demand library, as well as Youtube, Hulu, ...
- Amazon's Kindle: eBook with integrated content directory and shop
- UbiCast develops video appliances with built-in video streaming webservices
Software integration
- SanDisk usb drive, comes with integrated web storage backup
- VholdR - Wearable Camcorder and Community Site provides remote video backup and sharing