Google has introduced an experimental project involving allowing users to interact with IoT objects without the need to install a dedicated app.
Documentation from the early stage project has been posted on GitHub. The description describes the concept as the Physical Web.
According to Google, the Physical Web concept involves extending the power of the URL to everyday physical objects.
“Our core premise is that you should be able to walk up to any 'smart' physical object (e.g. a vending machine, a poster, a toy, a bus stop, a rental car) and interact with it without first downloading an app,” the description states.
“The user experience of smart objects should be much like links in a web browser: i.e., just tap and use.”
Under the concept, physical objects would broadcast URLs to web-based applications that any nearby device can receive.
With the IoT era looming the number of smart objects is going to explode, the description states.
“But the overhead of installing an app for each one just doesn’t scale. We need a system that lets you walk up and use a device with just a tap. The Physical Web isn’t about replacing native apps; it’s about allowing interaction for the times when native apps just aren’t practical.”
While the experimental project involves building a smartphone app to interact with physical objects, Google believes the capability should be built into the operating system of all smartphones and tablets.
As a security proportion, the URL broadcast method currently being developed involves a Bluetooth Low Energy broadcast from each beacon, meaning a user can't be tracked simply by walking past the beacon. Security methods can also be built into the URLs that are broadcast, Google said.