Why the ‘Internet of Things‘ may never happen

The so-called 'Internet of Things' will be littered with multiple, warring, incompatible standards and systems for connectivity, making it very unlike the actual Internet, which is a shame, writes columnist Mike Elgan.

There will be no 'Internet of Things'

The label "Internet of Things" is used to describe Internet-connected devices that communicate without human involvement.

For example, as you read this article, you're using the regular Internet. You're a human being who is communicating with another human being (Yours Truly), and this communication is facilitated by many other human beings (editors, web designers, engineers, etc.). Like Soylent Green, the Internet is made out of people -- and computers whose main purpose is to help people use the Internet.