Registration for Axeda's Connexion conference in Boston has almost tripled from last year's event - there's no escaping the trends in this market. The news here is about more than Axeda's momentum in the market; it's about a market that's also hitting its stride with connected products all around you.
Vehicles have gained their share of connected press lately, and Sunday's Boston Globe highlighted ten ways in which vehicles are now connected. There are smartphone apps to start your car or text you with maintenance needs, portable music, traffic updates, and concierge services being delivered right to your dashboard. Look beyond your dash and you'll see drivers around you who are benefitting from lower insurance rates with the Snapshot telematics device from Progressive Insurance.
Connected vehicles offer a clear consumer benefit and a bevy of new revenue opportunities for companies moving forward with connected products and apps, but it's just a car - right? Apart from escaping a traffic snarl or locating cheaper gas, is this technology improving your life or the lives of others who lack a vehicle or a fancy electronic device? More and more, the answer is becoming Yes, and here's a quick example:
With sneaker chips counting their steps, the elementary school students in Dorchester, MA have taken more than three million steps toward fitness through a partnership with Partners Healthcare Center for Connected Health. That's right – "Connected Health". This connected technology application is outside of the consumer market and benefits us all by encouraging kids to exercise for health. It's yet another example of connected healthcare applications moving forward at an incredible pace and a number of these applications are on our radar for Axeda M2Me awards at our conference.
From cars to sneaker chips, the needs are out there and the world of young and old, rich and poor is watching for your next connected innovation. Start here.
