The iPhone and its similarly-gifted sibling, the iPod Touch, combine wireless Internet access and an innovative, flexible user interface to perform a number of functions from a single device. As Apple works to own the mobile phone market - as it has done with trendy personal computers, laptops, and digital music devices - many may be wondering what the next innovation will be.I think I've found something that could be the next big thing, and a very practical thing at that: UDO, or universal device operation.
Put simply, UDO (pronounced "you do") would be a technology that would allow you to operate any electronic device that used certain control protocols and that were subject to certain security standards. You could use UDO technology, in theory, to:
- Lock and unlock objects (car doors, office buildings, etc.)
- Activate machines (car starter, home appliances, etc.)
- Command or use machines like a standard remote control
- Remote controlled car locks and car starters, either by wireless remote or mobile phone
- Building access via RFID chips in security badges
- Dedicated remote controls (e.g. TV, home entertainment center, model airplanes)
- Wireless/RF scanning of barcodes to execute instructions
The iPhone's interface and wireless capability would seem to be ideal for portability, touch sensitivity, and flexible interface.
There are some considerations:
This protocol would have to be built in to virtually every electronic device to be useful. This might include additional hardware and software for these devices.
Security would be key:
- You might want to use biometrics to restrict access to your UDO control
It would have to be cost effective
It would have to be dead simple to use.
What are your thoughts on UDO, and where would you like to see this implemented?