How Cloud Technology will Influence Gadget Design

Cloud Computing  

We are only at the dawn of a cloud computing revolution—one that is sure to change how we interact with technology, and each other in a profound way.

Cloud technology promises to free devices from the shackles of memory space. It enables us to carry our documents, eBooks, music, video files and much more in our gadgets, while eliminating the need for an actual download onto the device. One of the best cases in point is the Kindle—eBooks purchased on the Kindle are stored on the Kindle cloud, but they are easily accessible on the device and all devices synced to the Amazon account it was purchased from.

Fluidity in all aspects

Cloud and mobile applications have become reliable substitutes for stand-alone software applications today. The cost advantage of cloud services was recognized early and tech companies are pouring in funds for further R&D to explore the potential further. Cloud technology is accessible to small, medium and large companies alike. The only factor that causes some apprehension in the minds of those wanting to adopt it is security and privacy.

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Moving on from decentralized peer-to-peer model, many large companies, namely, Microsoft, Amazon and Google, have embraced a centralized structure for internet-based systems. An evolved interaction can be viewed between applications, large centralized system and gadgets.

Gadgets for the cloud

With increasing development of cloud computing, gadgets are now being designed with this new model in mind, building on the benefits of cloud solutions. Cloud tablets like Chromebook, storage devices, and consumer electronics like vacuum cleaners, home security systems, navigation devices, speakers and more are prominent examples of devices that are solely web-enabled.

The data is stored on cloud and is accessible via the user’s personal email account and in some cases mobile numbers. Wearable devices such as Apple's new Watch and Google Glass have opened up a new avenue for cloud computing with mobile applications that are designed to suit the compact needs of the system. With cloud technology, hard drives and similar storage devices are increasingly becoming irrelevant. All technology is progressing towards solutions that are smaller, faster and internet-based. A cloud-based app suffices to meet all data storage, access and analysis needs.

Samsung expects that by 2020 all devices will be connected to the cloud

Gadgets that are tapping the potential of cloud technology are yet in their nascent development stage when compared to the projected implications of cloud-based systems. Smart homes and smart cities are only part of the future in which these gadgets are leading us to. That is a future where everything from street lights to washing machines can be remotely monitored and operated.

Cloud- then, now and in the future

Better telecom infrastructure, wider internet access and the continually-reducing prices of smartphone components and other internet-enabled technology will contribute towards greater penetration of cloud technology. We are staring into a future where very soon gadgets will have very few or no stand-alone applications and data will be stored completely on cloud. The wave in mobile and web application development that is covering a plethora of functions and is easily accessible on devices of varying sizes is an indication of the future for cloud computing.

For businesses that are adopting cloud computing a pressing issue is that the ROI estimation is difficult to compute. It is hard to gauge whether the immediate investment can offset the future returns. Also, considering the rapid evolution in technology, it cannot be ascertained how soon the existing technologies are likely to become obsolete.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things and the shared ecosystem of internet-enabled devices have their foundation in cloud computing. Wearable technology, household technology, and web and mobile applications are at work, taking over the most elementary to very complex tasks. Industry leaders like Samsung already expect that by 2020 all devices will be connected to the cloud and we are staring at a future where sensors in objects around us will respond to our feelings and thoughts.

By Vaishnavi Agrawal

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Author Bio -Vaishnavi Agrawal loves pursuing excellence through writing and has a passion for technology. She has successfully managed and run personal technology magazines and websites. She currently writes for intellipaat.com, a global training company that provides e-learning and professional certification training.
The courses offered by Intellipaat address the unique needs of working professionals. She is based out of Bangalore and has an experience of five years in the field of content writing and blogging. Her work has been published on various sites related to Hadoop, Big Data Training, Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing, IT, SAP, Project Management and more.