• Home
  • News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Internet of Things
  • Open Source
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Security
  • Whitepapers
  • Industry Voice
  • Data Strategy Spotlight
  • Newsletters
  • Whitepapers
    • Inqlogo 120x194
      Five things you should look for in choosing a Testing provider

      Choosing a Testing Partner can be complex.  So what do you look for?  This guide offers insight into the qualities you must look for in choosing a Testing provider.  Download now to learn more.

      Download
      Inqlogo 120x194
      Your questions answered: How to protect your data in the cloud

      The number of successful cyberattacks per year per company has increased by 46% over the last four years. But what really needs to be considered when exploring a solution? What questions need to be asked? Download to find out...

      Download
      Find whitepapers
      Search by title or subject area
      View all whitepapers
  • Follow us
    • Twitter
    • Newsletters
    • Facebook
  • Newsletter
  • Industry Voice
  • Data Strategy Spotlight
The Inquirer
The Inquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Internet of Things
  • Open Source
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Security
  • Trending
  • General election
  • Huawei sues FCC
  • Xerox vs HP
  • Galaxy S11
  • McAfee 2020
The Inquirer
  • Open Source

Mozilla launches Raspberry Pi-powered 'Project Things' to unite smart home kit

Hopefully now, your things will work properly with your other things

Internet of Things big data
The Internet of Things new home is a Pi
  • Chris Merriman
  • Chris Merriman
  • @ChrisTheDJ
  • 07 February 2018
  • Tweet  
  • Facebook  
  •  
  •  
  • Send to  
0 Comments

THE MOZILLA FOUNDATION has launched 'Project Things', a framework of software that is designed to bring fragmented Internet of Things (IoT) devices together.

Project Things will allow users to create their own IoT hub using a Raspberry Pi, using both web-based commands and although still in the experimental stage, a voice interface.

Mozilla explains its reasoning using an argument that the INQUIRER has been preaching for a while: "Each vendor typically creates a custom application that only works for their own brand. If the future of connected IoT devices continues to involve proprietary solutions, then costs will stay high, while the market remains fragmented and slow to grow.

"We believe the future of connected devices should be more like the open web. The future should be decentralised and should put the power and control into the hands of the people who use those devices. This is why we are committed to defining open standards and frameworks."

The gateway will offer a secure URL for users to see the dashboard for their products.

The Things Gateway includes an IFTTT style rules engine, a home floor plan to map devices and sensors, virtual devices so you can set up before you buy the real device, add-on systems for new devices and protocols as they emerge and OAuth, to ensure safe linking with third parties.

Mozilla provides a complete walk-through to allow you to get started quickly and "takes care of the complicated stuff" so a universal smart home is in the grasp of all users.

Although some devices such as Athom's Homey and Samsung Smartthings have made strides in creating a cross-protocol smart home, there is still a long way to go and all are at the whims of the companies.

For example, recently, Blink, a brand of camera that we have championed in the past removed support for the community built Smartthings integration, without offering a replacement.

Technically, it did nothing wrong (though we suspect its recent acquisition by Amazon may have something to do with it), but it shows that whimsy is a factor in device support.

Hopefully, by offering an open source solution, Mozilla can begin to stop the madness. µ

  • Tweet  
  • Facebook  
  •  
  •  
  • Send to  
  • Topics
  • Open Source
  • mozilla
  • Software
  • Open Source
  • Raspberry Pi
  • internet of things
  • IoT

INQ Latest

HackerOne coughs up £15k after its own member hacks itHacking me, hacking you...ah ha
HackerOne coughs up £15k after its own member hacks it

What can a hacker hack if a hacker hacks hackers...

  • Security
  • 05 December 2019
Pablo Escobar's brother launches a foldable phone with aim to blow past Apple
Pablo Escobar's brother launches a foldable phone with aim to blow past Apple

But we doubt people will be lining up to buy it

  • Phones
  • 05 December 2019
US charges Russian 'Evil Corp' hackers behind Dridex banking malware
US charges Russian 'Evil Corp' hackers behind Dridex banking malware

'Prolific' duo netted more than $100m in spree

  • Friction
  • 05 December 2019
Plex launches a free, ad-supported Netflix rival
Plex launches a free, ad-supported Netflix rival

But its library is lacking here in Blighty

  • Software
  • 05 December 2019
Back to Top

Most read

Apple's iPhone 12 might revive Touch ID with ultrasonic sensor
Apple's iPhone 12 might revive Touch ID with an ultrasonic sensor
Microsoft 365 set to arrive in Spring 2020 to unite the houses of Windows and Office
Microsoft 365 set to arrive in Spring 2020 to unite the houses of Windows and Office
John McAfee
John McAfee kicks off Presidential campaign with the aim of smashing the system
US rozzers might know you use a Ring doorbell
Amazon let cops see a heatmap of Ring doorbell users in their area
Moto's One Hyper smartphone is an all-screen machine
Moto's One Hyper smartphone is an all-screen machine
  • Contact
  • Marketing solutions
  • Enterprise IT Events
  • Incisive Media
  • Terms & conditions
  • Policies
  • Careers
  • Twitter
  • Newsletters
  • Facebook

© Incisive Business Media (IP) Limited, Published by Incisive Business Media Limited, New London House, 172 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QR, registered in England and Wales with company registration numbers 09177174 & 09178013

Digital publisher of the year
Digital publisher of the year 2010, 2013, 2016 & 2017