The Internet of Things, or IoT, still has a futuristic, Jetsons sort of feel to it. The idea that the entire world around us -- from our cars, homes, and even our cities -- are all inter-connected is an intriguing concept, but won't impact us for years, right? Turns out, not only is the IoT already a thriving industry that's impacting virtually all of us, it's on the cusp of exploding.

Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon (BLE) refers to a next-generation technology in retail. As many software giants have begun jumping on this new trend, Google has taken interest on the matter revealing Eddyston - a new open frame format for BLE Beacons capable of managing fleet of Beacons conveniently. As the Internet giant seeks to change the retail landscape, its new move to become Alphabet has got users thinking what the new company meant for them. Is Google headed for the right direction?

Microsoft Corporation is set to reclaim its position in the tech space and the new Windows 10 is the key. Microsoft has released the lighter version of the Windows 10 to power the Internet of Things as the world becomes more connected. The Windows 10 IoT Core sets Microsoft apart in the IoT space and it beats Apple’s foray into IoT with its HomeKit.

Manufacturers and retailers are paying little heed to longer-term privacy and security as they pump intelligent consumer devices into the market, according to industry group the Online Trust Alliance.

Spending on Internet of Things (IoT) home products and services in Australia is forecast to hit $3.2 billion by 2019 according to a new Telsyte report. The IoT @ Home Market Study found that the market is currently worth $289 million. By 2019, the average household may have 24 Internet connected devices, up from 9 this year.

Under Armour is partnering with the National Basketball Association to develop a mobile-first experience that will connect fans and athletes while inspiring them to be more active and healthy. 

Smart fridges are a cliche of the internet of things, a perfect example of an unnecessary, expensive technology that’s been talked about more than it’s been used. Yet, kitchens seem the perfect place for gadgetry: look at the catalogues for home stores, there’s specific devices for everything from slicing pineapple to magnetic toast tongs. 

After Apple Pay and Google Wallet revolutionized payments with NFC technology, something new is in the market now. Until now, you have seen people buying coffee using credit cards and tapping their smart watches to buy clothes. However, don’t be surprised if you see people tapping their wrist to make payments. A new technology from a Canadian company called Nymi now enables biometric authentication of payments through its product, Nymi band. Nymi band is the most advanced wearable in the industry today.

Frost & Sullivan predicted that wearable devices will become a mass market proposition as improvements are made in design and battery life, and new usage cases are found in the field of remote healthcare. The research company said the market for wearables is currently restricted by pricing, battery life, the accuracy and security of data, and weak business cases. Expansion will come as the market evolves to offer sustainable business models including subscription services, and enterprise and vertical specialisation such healthcare applications.

Continuing its push to make Windows 10 the operating system that can power all things, Microsoft publicly released Windows 10 for IoT Core on Monday morning, with support for the Raspberry Pi 2 and the Minnowboard Max.