The Future is Here: Building Social Networks for Things

Have you ever thought about what makes an object special? Beyond its price tag or how it fits in your home, there’s a unique story behind every item we own. Just like us, these objects may be devoid of voices but they're rich in identity. At the recent DLD Conference (Digital - Life - Design) in Munich, Germany, this fascinating concept was brought to the forefront by visionary Esther Dyson, who moderated an engaging panel on the Internet of Things (IoT). And guess what? We are on the brink of creating social networks for these objects!

What's the Big Idea?

So, let’s break it down. We’ve spent years creating online identities for ourselves, curating our lives on social media and building networks of friends. But what about the things we own? Can chairs, gadgets, and even our pets have identities too? This is the burning question that Dyson posed to her panelists: Ulla-Maaria Engeström of Thinglink, Doug Krugman from REZZ.IT, and Michael Silverman from ThingD. Spoiler alert: they absolutely believe they can!

The Thinglink Perspective

Engeström kicked off the discussion with a remarkable insight: things can have their own identities! Her company, Thinglink, aims to construct a "social graph of things," where every item has its backstory—who crafted it, who sold it, who owns it, and who admires it. Through unique identifiers like product codes, Thinglink is paving a new path since its inception in 2005. Ready for the cherry on top? They’re currently in private beta with around 4,000 users, and they’re launching this spring. It seems we are on the cusp of an identity revolution for our belongings!

What About the Registry of Things?

Moving onto the concept of a "registry of things," Michael Silverman describes how his company, ThingD, is on a mission to create a comprehensive database focused solely on the items in our lives—think of everything from consumer products to pets! Imagine an extensive online library where you can explore everything you've ever owned or wished to own. Silverman stated they currently have about 50 million items cataloged, and they’re just getting started with a few thousand early adopters giving them feedback.

Renting with REZZ.IT

Then comes the rental model by REZZ.IT. Doug Krugman introduced this platform as the "eBay for renting." His company is about empowering users to manage their things, whether it's scheduling rentals or understanding their value in the market. There is a world of assets out there! Currently, they are finding their footing in vacation rentals, but are gearing up for a broader range of assets like boats and even aircraft. Imagine scheduling your adventure to the skies with just a few taps!

The Economic Engines Behind These Networks

The big question hangs in the air: how do these companies turn all this creativity into cash? Well, each panelist had their unique take on it. - REZZ.IT is focusing on vacation rentals as a primary avenue for generating revenue, hoping to expand into other assets soon. - ThingD, meanwhile, is linking people to the products they love, creating a synergy between consumers and retailers. - Thinglink has a double-edged approach, integrating affiliate marketing and building lifestyle brand communities for users who are passionate about their products.

What Does All This Mean?

So, what does this mean for us? If Web 2.0 was about connecting people, the next iteration is about weaving everything we own into our social fabric. What if our belongings could share their stories and become part of our digital identity? It’s definitely a mind-boggling thought!

Conclusion: A New Era Awaits

In a nutshell, we are stepping into an era where our possessions are not just passive things but active participants in our digital lives. With unique identifiers and social networks for things, we’ll start to reimagine our connections—not just with people, but with every item in our lives. The dialogue around the Internet of Things is just beginning, and it promises to reshape not only our access to information but how we relate to our stuff!

FAQs

1. What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
   The Internet of Things refers to the network of physical objects (or “things”) connected to the internet, capable of collecting and sharing data.

2. How will things have their own identities?
   Each item will have unique identifiers linking it to its creator, owner, and prominent features, much like a social network for objects.

3. What is the role of Thinglink?
   Thinglink helps define the relationships people have with their belongings by creating unique profiles that track their journey and interactions.

4. What does ThingD do?
   ThingD operates a comprehensive database that catalogs a vast array of items, connecting users with information about their possessions.

5. How does REZZ.IT differ from eBay?
   While eBay focuses on buying and selling, REZZ.IT specializes in rentals, managing how users can rent out their items efficiently.

6. Can everyday items benefit from networking?
   Absolutely! Everyday objects can have their characteristics and stories shared in an online database, enriching user experience.

7. How might these concepts affect e-commerce?
   They will likely create a more interactive shopping experience, where consumers can learn about the items and their makers, enhancing buyer engagement.

8. Is this technology accessible now?
   Some platforms are currently in beta testing, with public launches expected soon, making this tech accessible in the near future.

Are you ready to give your belongings a voice? Let’s embrace the future of social networks for things!