Beacons are growing up. After Apple pretty much owned the beacon marketplace, Google has finally come into the market in a big way. Lagging Apple by quite a bit timewise, Google launched its open Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon technology last year. And now, as part of its Internet of Things strategy, Google yesterday introduced some Eddystone upgrades.

The world is getting more connected. Much of this is thanks to advancements in networking technology. And much also is due to the massive introduction of new connected devices, which require fast and efficient networks so the information they accumulate can be shared in real time.

While many consumers haven't yet bought into the idea of smart home devices or wearable technology like smartwatches or fitness trackers, those who have are selecting a very wide range of devices. While Fitbits lead for what consumers wear and Google's popular Nest thermostats top the list of smart home objects, that doesn't provide the scope of how widespread the range of products is.

For consumers to buy into gadgets that can automate, monitor or control devices in their home, the price better be right. And it even may take some additional persuading of those who already are interested before they make an actual purchase, based on a new study. There are certain attributes consumers are looking for, with reliability leading the list. As more devices that can turn lights on and off, control thermostats and provide real-time security monitoring come to market, consumers will be faced with a growing number of choices.

In addition to so many other transformations, the Internet of Things is going to convert the consumer's daily world to one of negative options. Technology will allow marketers to create messaging and advertising well in advance of a consumer realizing they need such information or persuasion. People most know negative options from the age-old credit card feature that will regularly bill you for something until you consciously and actively tell them to stop. The Internet of Things is all about the negative option.

While the Internet of Things grows, privacy - or the lack of it - is what drives concern about its growth. Privacy is at the top of a long list of IoT concerns in a new global study. The study comprised a survey of 5,200 mobile media users in eight countries (Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, South Africa, UK and US) conducted by On Device Research for the Mobile Ecosystems Forum (MEF), a global trade body.

For all the promise of big data being used to provide new and great consumer experiences, most of that data remains just that: data. Even though The Internet of Things is starting to generate large amounts of data, most companies are not yet using it. Only a small number (8%) of businesses are actually using more than 25% of their IoT data, based on a new study looking at the state of the Internet of Things this year.

I'm thinking about connected today. Not just because I'm filling in for IoT Daily Editor Chuck Martin, but because I had the opportunity to moderate a panel at OMMA San Francisco on the evolution of advertising agency models and one in particular seemed ripe for a post here. It was how the agency model disruptors at R/GA are starting to position themselves.