Samsung announced at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it would work with Microsoft to develop Internet of Things (IoT) devices based on Windows 10. The two giants will work together to build products running Windows 10. Microsoft’s EVP for Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson pointed out that the two companies have been working together for three decades.
Windows 10 to be Samsung’s preferred IoT platform?
During the keynote at CES, Samsung’s business solutions unit head WP Hong outlined the company’s “IoTivity” strategy. Hong talked about the company’s ambitions as a device maker, chip maker, and service provider. Hong did not provide any details about the company’s IoT strategy as a platform maker. That’s where Windows 10 comes in. It appears to be part of Microsoft’s ambition to have more universal Windows apps that work across devices.
Terry Myerson touted the company’s “renewed partnership” with the Korean electronics giant. He also highlighted Samsung’s new Windows 10-based Galaxy TabPro S. On stage, Microsoft’s designated presenter Bryan Roper showed off how Windows 10 and Cortana can connect with Samsung’s IoT devices such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Microsoft exec shows how Cortana connects with Samsung IoT devices
Roper asked Cortana on Windows 10-powered Galaxy TabPro S to check to see if the washing machine was in use. In other Cortana queries, Roper checked on how long the refrigerator door was open, appliance usage when a kid was home alone after school, and he could see how long the TV was on. Cortana offered not only facts, but also graphic information for easy consumption of the IoT data.
It is still unclear how deep the partnership is. Myerson did not talk about Windows 10 IoT Core at the stage. After tensions with Google, the Korean electronics giant has sent a clear signal that it was willing to lower its reliance on Android. Recently, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 installations surpassed 200 million at the end of December.
