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Samsung CEO calls for open Internet of Things collaborations

Samsung President and CEO BK Yoon has kicked off CES 2015, using his keynote speech to call for industry-wide Internet of Things open collaborations.

With IoT a key trend of this year’s Las Vegas-based tech show, Mr Yoon has stated that all of the industry’s leading players – Samsung included – need to work together to create IoT standards.

Without these, he has warned that the potential of Internet of Things, a globally changing collection of technologies and services, will never be achieved.

The Internet of Things has the potential to transform our society, economy and how we live our lives,” Mr. Yoon said. “It is our job to pull together — as an industry, and across different sectors — to make true on the promise of the Internet of Things.”
 
While the thought of internet-connected cars alerting your smart thermostat and connected kettle and music system that you are on your way home has grabbed consumers’ imaginations, the Samsung head has stressed that people, not products are the key to IoT.

“The Internet of Things is not about ‘things.’ Instead, it is about people,” he told the keynote audience.

“Each person is at the centre of their own technology universe, and the IoT universe will constantly adapt and change shape as people move through their world.”

Mr. Yoon’s comments were echoed by IoT specialst SmartThings.

Company CEO Alex Hawkinson stated: “For the Internet of Things to be a success, it has to be open. Any device, from any platform, must be able to connect and communicate with one another.

“We’ve worked hard to accomplish this, and are committed to putting users first, giving them the most choice and freedom possible. The SmartThings ecosystem is now compatible with more devices than any other platform.”

Related: Nest Thermostat review

While Mr. Yoon has promised to make Samsung’s future IoT devices open to partnership with rival manufacturer’s products and services, the claims feature an echo of hypocrisy.

To date, a number of Samsung’s wearable products, including the Gear 2, have been restricted to use only with Samsung-branded smartphones.

With IoT devices being unveiled think and fast at CES 2015, stay tuned to TrustedReviews for all the latest from the show floor.

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