Why would anyone chuck a connected device directly into the trash right after purchasing it? Because, from inside a trash can, a data-rich location, connected households can get an assist in monitoring their waste and keeping tabs on what items need replenishment.
June’s PYMNTS.com Intelligence of Things (IoT) Tracker highlights the various ways companies large and small are integrating connectivity into their Internet of Things devices and how this connectivity is impacting the way households operate. From voice-activated personal assistants to new tools to monitor household Wi-Fi usage and inventory, connected devices are poised to transform the household by offering consumers connectivity from the living room shelves where they keep their speakers to the kitchen where the trash bin can build a smart grocery list.
Recent notable IoT developments
By some estimates, American households are expected to have an average of 50 Internet of Things devices by 2020. Some manufacturers are betting big that voice-activated speakers will be a significant share of that market.
The past few weeks saw some notable growth in the voice-activated personal assistant space. Amazon recently launched the Echo Show, which features a 7-inch touchscreen and is integrated with Amazon’s personal assistant Alexa. In addition to the Echo Show, Alexa was also integrated into a smart thermostat produced by manufacturer Ecobee that enables temperatures to be controlled using voice recognition. Also, Microsoft teamed up with Harman International to produce its own voice-activated speaker with Microsoft’s personal assistant Cortana built directly into the device.
While some new connected developments are focused on the home, others are focused on wearables. In an effort to get into the payments space, Fitbit is launching a smartwatch that is capable of making contactless payments. Samsung Electronics America, meanwhile, launched its own wearable solution for workplaces to help workers stay on top of tasks and help manage efficiencies.
Voice recognition, scanners take IoT trash talk to next level
While some IoT devices are put to use from a user’s wrist, some are perched on shelves or mounted on walls, others belong in the trash. Not because they’re junk, but because from inside a trash can or recycle bin these devices can take stock of the items being thrown away and help households manage their inventories and supplies.
Trash monitoring services, like the one offered by manufacturer GeniCan, are part of a growing trash management solution market that is bringing new ways to monitor waste to both households and municipalities. In a recent interview with PYMNTS for this month’s Tracker feature story, GeniCan cofounder Rob Griffin explained how the company’s connected device, which includes a barcode scanner and voice recognition technology, helps households stay on top of the items in their pantries and how, by offering automatic delivery for certain items, the product can cut down the number of steps involved in grocery shopping.
To read the feature story, along with the latest IoT headlines and trends, and check out the rankings of 189 providers – including 10 new additions – download the June IoT Tracker.
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To download the June edition of the PYMNTS.com Intelligence of Things Tracker™, click the button below …
About The Tracker
The PYMNTS.com Intelligence of Things Tracker™ showcases companies that are leading the way in all aspects of the Intelligence of Things. Every month, the Tracker looks at what these companies are doing across the ecosystem and in several categories, including Personal, Home, Retail, Transportation, Wearable, Mobile, Infrastructure, Data and more.
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