IoT News of the Week, February 10 2017

Here’s a wrap up of important news in the internet of things this week. You can get this in your inbox each week by subscribing to my newsletter.

Thread products are coming: The Thread Group says that ARM, NXP, OpenThread and Silicon Labs have successfully completed interoperability testing to become the first certified Thread components. Additionally the group, which manages certification for the low-power Thread radio protocol, says that version 1.1 should be out later this month. A little birdie told me that the first Thread certified product is slated to be out in May of this year. (Thread Group)

OpenFog hits another milestone: Also in standards news, the OpenFog Consortium has announced and made available its OpenFog Reference Architecture.  OpenFog is a group of big name companies trying to create a standard for computing that happens both in the cloud but also in gateway devices running at the so-called edge.  The reference architecture will make it easier for any interested party to set up their own compliant edge computing network to play with. The Consortium is calling it the equivalent of 5G for fog computing, which is actually a terrible thing to say since 5G can mean about 4 different things.  (OpenFog)

Just what IoT security needs: AT&T, IBM, Nokia, Palo Alto Networks, Symantec and Trustonic have gotten together to form the IoT Cybersecurity Alliance. Will this be any better than UL’s efforts to tackle IoT security? The government’s advice for more secure products? The certification created by Verizon’s ICSA Labs? I have no idea. The release announcing the news shows the group is at least aware of the many potential weak points in an IoT product (the device, the network, the cloud and the application) but figuring out a solution is tough. Then convincing everyone to use that solution is even harder. (AT&T)

Are we ready for smart handbags? Maybe, depends on what their tech enables. Rebecca Minkoff, as part of a partnership with print company Avery Dennison and EVRYTHNG, is creating a line of connected purses. The electronics get the buyer into a fashion show, exclusive offers and personal styling tips from Rebecca. Basically, it’s an effort to personalize ad-content and marketing efforts to the buyer.  This sounds like something few people will buy into (unless they love Rebecca Minkoff). Meanwhile, I’d love a purse with an embedded tracker (as long as I don’t need an app for each purse) or one that will let me know if I forget to put my wallet or phone in the bag before I leave the house. You know, useful stuff. (Forbes)

Treaties as a tool to stop IoT ransomware? This is a far-fetched idea that probably won’t get anywhere but is is worth considering. This article argues that IoT security should be implemented as part of trade agreements between countries. There’s a lot to like about this idea. One, these products and the data they generate can be used anywhere, so national laws hold little sway. Two, it would force governments to come up with security minimums for connected devices. Unfortunately, I don’t see governments actually coming up with useful security minimums for IoT anytime soon. The other big challenge is that treaties become political and that can lead to a lot of drama. (Wired)

Now THIS is a smart kitchen: This week appliance maker Electrolux purchased Anova, the maker of a connected sous vide cooker,  for $250 million. This has me hoping that traditional kitchen companies might get a little more aggressive in bringing smarts to their products (useful smarts, not another tablet on a fridge). But even if they fail, Ikea is thinking big when it comes to adding sensors and computing to the kitchen. This video of a connected countertop that can recognize foods on it, suggest recipes and project instructions onto the surface (which also has an induction cooktop in it) is awesome. It is similar to a pitch I saw a few years ago at frog design involving a camera, a projector and some good software. This combination of sensors and computing reminds me of what I love about the June oven. And hopefully, if Ikea ever makes it, this could come without the June’s $1,500 price tag.  (Mashable)

Every charity needs an API: Someone made an Amazon Dash button for the American Civil Liberties Union. (The Mary Sue)

This is a cool project: People are hosting cryptoparties and your TV is spying on you. This project is a cool way to jump into the erosion of your privacy as we get more connected. And maybe do something about it. (Note to Self)

London calling: R/GA has opened an IoT startup program in London and announced its first crop of 10 startups. They include a pay-per-flight drone insurance company, a smart light switch maker, an indoor positioning startup and a company aiming to use tech to prevent food waste. Check them out. (FastCo Design)

Is your city on IFTTT? Louisville, Kentucky has created an If This Then That channel that offers citizens a way to hook into city data. The first trigger is air quality, so concerned people can get a text or even blink their smart bulbs if the air quality deteriorates. Linking transit information or even something as mundane as getting an alert if someone files for a building permit in your neighborhood could be incredibly helpful. (CNET)