Ambient computing is popularly known as ubiquitous computing. It is the concept of integrating computing power into our daily life in a useful yet unseen way. The idea is to eliminate the friction associated with using technology. Thereby allowing consumers to fully utilize technology without having to worry about keyboards and screens.
By using it, you don’t have to interact individually with all your computing devices in order to achieve desired results.
How does ambient computing work?
It, as the definition of the word “ambient” suggests, refers to gadgetry that is integrated into your surroundings and always available to assist.
For instance, a smart thermometer can automatically adjust based on learning patterns rather than requiring the user to lower the temperature. Smart homes are designed to enhance daily living by integrating technology into all furniture pieces.
Difference between ambient computing and IoT
The IoT and ambient computing are related concepts.
Among the gadgets connected to the Internet of Things are smart sensors and smart speakers, and ambient computing extends that concept. In other words, ambient computing focuses on how these devices interact with one another after being connected.
It is, for example, is concerned with how a lightbulb learns about your preferences from its environment and responds accordingly.
What ambient computing currently looks like?
Any component or surface in a smart house could be used as an ambient computing example. However, voice assistance is the technology that is currently ruling the market.
For example, Microsoft Cortana, Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and smart speakers use artificial intelligence to answer queries.
Smart speakers frequently have simple shapes, colors, and sizes to better integrate into their surroundings. It includes artificial intelligence, sensors, connectivity, cloud computing, and others, in addition to voice assistants.
What other applications are there?
It can assist with commercial operations in addition to the smart home. Although the pandemic altered business practices, and mixed work styles are still prevalent in many businesses.
The meeting room and sound system are always present and cannot be seen, thereby demonstrating ambient computing in action.
Who are the industry pioneers?
The field of ambient computing is rapidly developing. As a result numerous businesses are seen working to create devices, software, and the supporting infrastructure. Both Google and Amazon want to dominate the market by increasing the number of gadgets that can connect to their voice assistants.
Among the Amazon Alexa-compatible smart home products are lightbulbs, doorbell cameras, alarm systems, smart plugs etc.
Final thought
Given that all current technology is headed in that direction, it is a crucial topic right now. However, it is already present in almost all of the products we use. Technology developers nowadays are trying to figure out how to make devices that not only make daily tasks easier but also integrate easily.
It won’t take long for everyone to follow when market leaders like Google and Amazon take the lead.
Also read: How to Make The Most of Your Iphone’s New Lock Screen in iOS 16
