Microsoft wants to put Windows 10 inside robots, ATMs and toasters

CNN Money ^ | 03/16/2015 | David Goldman

[SeekAndFind]

Microsoft has already said that Windows 10 will work on a PC, tablet or phone. Now it wants to put Windows on every other gadget you might want to connect to the Internet.

On Monday, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 IoT (short for the idiotically named "Internet of Things"). It's essentially a tool to let your connected thermostat to talk to your connected car, or for a bank's connected ATM to talk to its network hub.

And if all those things run Windows, they'll play nicely (in theory) with your Windows PC or phone. That means you should be able to turn on your living room lights with Windows, and a company should be able to manage its army of connected nanobots with Windows too.

That's a much better solution that what exists now: A sea of random apps, each of which controls a different gizmo. Your connected oven has its own app. Your connected TV has its own app. And your connected self-watering plant has its own app too.

Not only is that annoying, it's also a missed opportunity.

Imagine if your connected oven could talk to your connected smoke detector. Then your smoke alarm wouldn't go off when you burn your London broil. Microsoft is far from alone in its attempt to create a platform for connected gizmos. Apple (AAPL, Tech30), Google (GOOGL, Tech30), Amazon (AMZN, Tech30) and Intel (INTC, Tech30) also want to be the go-to hub for the billions of gadgets that will eventually be connected to the Internet.

The potentially unique proposition that Microsoft has to offer is that Windows 10 IoT won't only control the connected stuff in your house (like Apple and Google are going after), or the connections in businesses (like Amazon and Intel are fighting over).

[M Kehoe]

Skynet will become aware on Aug. 25, 2020. Prepare accordingly...

5.56mm

[uglybiker]

I’m more worried about the blue toast of death.

[Oztrich Boy]

I miss Windows 3.1

[longtermmemmory]

Thanks for the link.

That was the one. It is a perfect short story and defines all teacher unionists and obamacrats. (aka feminists/weather underground/alinskys/democrat party)

‘You may specify by telephone,’ the voice droned on, ‘whether you wish his body interred by the Government, or would you prefer a private burial place? The fee for Gov­ernment burial is ten dollars.’

[longtermmemmory]

the NEA has it real now.

Smart students are drugged with Ritalin and misdiagnosed.

little boys are criminal because they are little boys.

girls are taught by teachers, promiscuity is more rewarding than diplomas.

Government sanctioned sex clubs are now in the schools with free access to children. .... (see GSA clubs www.forthechildreninc.com exposing them with their own words on tape)