It is estimated that by 2020 as many as 30 billion devices will be connected to the Internet, all exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices. With huge advances in low-power electronics, cloud storage and computing, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and ubiquitous wireless data, the idea of a connected world is starting to become a reality.
The Internet of Place (IoP) takes things one step further by considering people, location and context: exploring the links between data and real life, in real-time. Platforms which understand the interests and experiences of users could lead to apps which will help manage city infrastructures, boost economies and ultimately, provide a better user experience.
IoP is a core concept at Brighton's new Digital Catapult Centre which aims to drive more research and innovation in the city.