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Unless you've been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you've likely heard the term Internet of Things, or IoT, at some point. But what does it mean? In short, the IoT is a network of objects connected to the Internet that can collect and exchange data. That brand new car loaded with apps? Internet of Things. The smart home devices that let you control the thermostat and lights with one voice command? Internet of Things. That fitness tracker that lets you share your exercise progress with friends? You get the idea. The IoT is set to...

The Linux Foundation has launched the Zephyr Project, to foster an open source, small footprint, modular, scalable, connected, real-time OS for IoT devices. Normally we think of the Linux Foundation as being all about Linux. But as the organization has matured, it has expanding its scope to embrace an ever-wider range of open source standards and software. Despite the existence and widespread use of minimalistic Linux implementations including uClinux, OpenWrt, Brillo, and Ubuntu Core, the exponential proliferation of smart, connected devices -- such as light bulbs, thermostats, security cameras, sensors, and many others -- has fueled intense interest in minimizing...

As increasing numbers of devices connect to the internet and to one another, the so-called internet of things promises consumers increased convenience – the remotely operated thermostat from Google-owned Nest is a leading example. But as home computing migrates away from the laptop, the tablet and the smartphone, experts warn that the security features on the coming wave of automobiles, dishwashers and alarm systems lag far behind. ... James Clapper, the US director of national intelligence, was more direct in testimony submitted to the Senate on Tuesday as part of an assessment of threats facing the United States. "In the...

Windows 10 IoT Core Pro lets thing-makers opt-out of security updates Microsoft's released a new flavour of Windows 10. Windows 10 IoT Core Pro is a version of the OS destined for original equipment manufacturers cooking up connected things. Redmond says the Pro cut's big differentiator is "the ability to defer updates and control distribution of updates through Windows Server Update Services." "With these servicing options," Microsoft's Billy Anders writes "we are bringing flexibility for our partners and customers to help meet their servicing needs while helping ensuring their devices are secure and managed." That's a good thing if thing-makers...

When we released Raspberry Pi 2 in February this year, we announced that Microsoft’s Windows 10 IoT Core, a version of Windows 10 for small Internet-of-Things devices that may or may not have a screen, would be available for the device. Since the Windows Insider release of Windows 10 Core in August, we’ve found that lots of people looking for a Pi 2 are arriving at sellers’ websites from sites catering for Windows developers. Many Windows developers are coming to Raspberry Pi for the first time; we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome them, and we hope they’ll encounter much...

Microsoft has introduced its Windows 10 IoT Core, a light version of the Windows 10 operating system for the Internet of Things. According to The Next Web, 10 IoT Core will run the Raspberry Pi 2 and Minnowboard Max and can work on devices regardless of whether they have a display. It is a light version of the Windows 10, so there is no Windowed interface or desktop experience. So instead developers must create a universal app that functions as the interface for the user's device. Windows 10 IoT Core have been significantly upgraded since its first preview release in...

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has said it intends to have one operating system for all types of devices. It apparently takes that promise seriously. The company, which has announced that Windows 10 will power not only PCs but also tablets, phones, and even Xbox, will also make a version of the OS for Internet of Things connected devices.These machines -- which include things like smart thermostats and other household appliances -- won't run the full operating system. Instead, they will run customized versions of Windows 10 designed to enable their functionality. Whether it's a smart toaster or a complicated piece of machinery...

(This is about using Windows 10 on tiny embedded hardware for Internet-connected devices.) Windows 10 IoT Insider Preview was released yesterday (Apr 29) for various low cost hardware types - Raspberry Pi 2, MinnowBoard MAX, Intel Galileo and Arduino. It's available from here https://ms-iot.github.io/content/GetStarted.htm In this blog post I'll be getting the IoT release up and running on one of those devices, the Raspberry Pi 2. (Article goes into detailed steps of how to load Windows 10 onto a Raspberry Pi 2.)

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said Windows has been re-architected to give it a central role in the IoT (Internet of things. He sees the company's upcoming operating system Windows 10 as integral in managing every aspect of the IoT, from the sensors, mechanical systems, to the applications and analytics that underlie it. Appearing at Gartner's Symposium/ITxpo conference on Tuesday, Nadella described Windows 10 as the first step in an entirely new generation of Windows "as opposed to 'it's just another release after Windows 8.' " Nadella, appointed Microsoft's CEO early this year, said Windows is not just about tablets, phones...