WiFi Expanding Into New Areas

from the it's-not-just-for-computer-networks-any-more dept

It seems that WiFi is being used in more and more specific applications rather than just as a general internet access method. People are expecting WiFi to be used in all sorts of home automation and other directed applications. The article has a few examples like a "family bulletin board" that's being tested in some homes in Houston. Written notes on the board can easily be sent to family member's mobile phones. There's also an example of WiFi controlled thermostats, that the energy company could take control of in the event of a power shortage (yes, this is scary). Of course, as they point out in the article, many of these ideas are going nowhere, but they're worth experimenting with to see what works.