HKT in big push to bring the internet of things to the home
Hong Kong’s largest telecoms network operator helps to usher in a future of ubiquitous, automated smart homes across the city
Efforts in Hong Kong to raise awareness for the so-called internet of things (IoT) received a big boost on Tuesday with the launch of the telecommunications industry’s first dedicated retail showcase for this super network of connected devices.
The 5,200-square feet concept store by HKT, the city’s largest mobile and fixed-line network operator, opened its doors at the high-end Elements mall in Kowloon to offer the general public a look at IoT systems and connected devices, and show how they can help automate and make homes smarter.
“This is an experiment,” HKT group managing director Alex Arena told the South China Morning Post. “I don’t know whether we got it right or wrong yet. The challenge for us is how to explain technology to people, so we created this space where we can show how technology works.”
IoT represents a super network of networks, consisting of internet-linked devices embedded in everyday objects that gather, send and receive data, as well as be controlled via mobile applications.
At HKT’s “io.t” store – a name that refers to the goal of “inspiring our tomorrow” – these devices include a range of connected technologies that include Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant-powered Echo smart home speaker system, Wi-fi mesh networking solution, Samsung Electronics’ Family Hub smart refrigerator, and Philips’ luminous textile lighting.