A simple definition of the Internet of Things (IOT) is the
device's ability to communicate with other devices. One example of this kind of
communication is you can turn on/off the TV or smart bulb using a smartphone.
But what's about the 'passive objects' such as a dining
table or wardrobe? Is it possible for these objects to communicate with a
variety of electronic devices in the home? So far it seems impossible to do.
But a startup from Texas wants to change this impossibility;
they want to provide communication capability to a table or even a wall in your
home. How to do it? By using a device called Knocki.
Knocki is a flat round device that can turn any flat surface
into a remote control. You just need to attach Knocki on the coffee table or
the wall, and then you can turn on/off the TV or Philips Hue bulb simply by knocking
the table or the wall.
Knocki is equipped with sensors that can detect certain
vibration patterns on a surface. However, to prevent detection of unintentionally
vibration, users need to give one knock first on the surface where the Knocki
is attached, before giving other knocks with certain patterns.
You can set the knock patterns through Knocki companion app
on Android and iOS devices. For example, two slow knocks on the table will turn
on the light in the room, while three quick knocks will turn on the smart TV in
the living room. Knocki can recognize 10 patterns of knocks simultaneously.
Knocki operates by utilizing internet connection via Wi-Fi
networks. So, as long as the device you want to control is connected with Wi-Fi
and uses an open platform, in theory Knocki can send instructions to it. Knocki
doesn't need to be plugged into an electrical outlet; it uses a standard AA
battery with an estimated endurance of about 12 months.
Another example of the Knocki usage is you can knock on the
bedside table that has been fitted with Knocki to instruct the smart coffee
maker to make coffee before you get out of bed in the morning.
Interestingly, Knocki can also be attached on the surface of
various materials, ranging from metal, granite or marble. As long as you are
knocking about 2 meters from the Knocki device, it can detect the vibration
patterns and is ready to send instructions to the device.
There is no information about the marketing schedule of
Knocki, but certainly it will be released in this year. If you are interested
in having this device, you can order Knocki for $ 59 through knocki.com.