10 New Internet of Things Products That Changed The Game In August

New Internet of Things Products

The Internet of Things has come a long way since Google launched its popular smart thermostat, Nest, for connected homes in 2011. Just in the month of August alone, solution providers saw an array of new Internet of Things products.

At Intel Developer Forum, the company unveiled its new Joule module, which will help developers build Internet of Things-targeted applications. Meanwhile, smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi just took the wraps off its new connected Smartwatch, the low-power Amazfit.

In a study last year, research firm Gartnersaid that 6.4 billion connected devices will be in use in 2016 – and with these new devices, the IoT market seems to be on track to reach that number.

Following are 10 cool new Internet of Things products launched in August.

Logitech POP Home Switch

Logitech's POP Home Switch, which became available this month, is a small device that helps users keep up with increasingly connected homes by enabling them to control multiple devices in their houses.

This switch can connect to the house's Wi-Fi through Logitech's mobile app, and then can trigger actions for various smart devices using three different motions – a single press, double press and long press. For instance, users can turn on their televisions with just two taps.

The $99 switch kit is compatible with many smart home products, such as Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue and Insteon.

NightEye

IoT platform provider Electric Imp worked with manufacturer Liberty Pumps to launch NightEye – an intelligent liquid pump monitoring and alarm system that works without subscription or service fees. Building owners can install and monitor locations where NightEye is deployed from a single dashboard on a free app.

NightEye creates and automates alarms concerning rising fluid levels in sump, sewage and effluent pump applications, expanding further the value of IoT in increasingly Intelligent Buildings.

Samsung Exynos 7 Quad 7570 Chip

Samsung added a new model to its Exynos 7 processor lineup in August – the Exynos 7 Quad 7570, which is designed for low-power Internet of Things products.

Samsung says this 14nm ARM Cortex-A53 processor offers up to 70 percent better performance than its 28nm predecessor. Exynos 7570 is also the first Exynos processor to fully integrate a Cat.4 LTE 2CA modem and connectivity solutions including W-iFi, Bluetooth, frequency modulation and global navigation satellite system in one chip.

Intel Joule Module

This month, Intel introduced its Joule platform, a module built for IoT applications by packing a high-performance system-on-module into a low-power package. The maker board enables users to take a concept from prototype into production at a "fraction of the time and development cost," according to Intel.

Joule is available in two models – the 550x and the higher-performance 570x – and the developer kit will begin shipping in September through Intel partners. According to Intel, Joule features high-end compute, 4K video and large memory capabilities, as well as support for RealSense technology and other Intel software tools.

Intel New SSD Series For IoT

Intel in August launched two new solid state drive models that are targeted at solution providers implementing Internet of Things applications, such as point-of-sale devices and digital signage.

Intel's E 6000p series, which uses PCIe and comes in the gum-stick-size M.2 form factor, can be used with Intel's Core vPro processors – both current and future generations – to add security and manageability features for Internet of Things applications.

The E 5420s Series also targets Internet of Things applications, but with an added layer of data protection, ensuring that data will be reliably read or written, even if customers are dealing with power loss. Intel did not provide prices on its IoT SSD series.

Philips Health Watch

Philips introduced a new health watch as part of a larger connected health product lineup. The Philips Health Watch targets users with chronic conditions, such as hypertension. The watch, which has a black frame and Gorilla Glass display, shows users steps, calories burned, active time and other statistics. However, the $250 watch's biggest feature is its optical heart rate monitor and accelerometer, which tracks varying heart conditions through an accompanying app.

Philips Connected Scale

Philips launched a larger suite of connected health products in addition to its Health Watch – including wrist and arm blood pressure monitors, a smart thermometer – and a connected scale.

This $99 body analysis weight scale uses Bluetooth to transmit data, allowing the program to measure, monitor and motivate users to change unhealthy habits. The scale, like Philips other devices in its suite, connects to HealthSuite Health App, which is now available for free on iOS and Android. It is built on the Philips HealthSuite digital platform, an open, cloud-based platform that collects and analyzes data.

Telit's Cat 4 Smart Module

Internet of Things company Telit this week announced its new LTE Cat 4 smart module for automobiles. Telit said this product addresses automakers' growing demand for high-speed mobile data connectivity to support applications such as advanced diagnostics, remote software updates and emergency call systems.

This smart module features a built-in application processor, storage and memory. Application programs running in the module have full access and control of the module's extensive hardware resources, which include advanced mult-standard satellite navigation, analog-to-digital converters, audio interfaces, serial and USB 2.0 ports and other general-purpose direct and multiplexed I/O.

Xiaomi's Amazfit

Xioami partnered with ecosystem partner Huami to manufacture the Amazfit, a low-cost wearable device launched this week.

Amazfit, which features a 1.34-inch display and 300 x 300 resolution, runs on a 1.2GHz processor and will interface with the Mi Fit app to show activity and usage statistics. Users will get 4 GB of onboard storage and a 200mAh battery with enough juice to last up to five days on a full charge. The Amazfit, which costs $120, also features a heart rate sensor on the back. The wearable will go on sale on Wednesday in China.

Omron Internet of Things Image-Sensing Unit

Omron debuted its new image sensing unit in August, called a "human vision components" system. This built-in human condition recognition unit can detect expression, gender, age, gaze and blink in a camera module. Omron's technology consists of a camera and separate main board connected through a cable, and it can be installed on the edge of a flat display unit.

The unit gives the option between two camera heads – a long-distance detection type and a wide-angle detection type. This unit can be embedded in equipment and machines to perform various jobs that involve humans and machines – like safeguarding people in manufacturing workplaces and keeping track of congestion in elevators.