iPavement Blocks Provide Citywide Bluetooth and Internet Access
Courtney Scharf — May 11, 2012 — Unique
In an attempt to provide consistent public WiFi throughout cities, Spanish company ViaIntelligente has created iPavement -- hotspots disguised as cement blocks.
Set to provide alternative Internet access without reliance on third-party (private) providers, the stone blocks are a more widely accessible approach to connectivity. Bluetooth and WiFi compatible, the blocks are the smartest pavement many people will ever step on. Most functional when placed in close proximity to each other, the integration of many blocks would be necessary to provide consistent coverage. iPavement hotspots, which do run 24/7, are unfortunately not functional at temperatures below -10 degrees, and above 45 degrees, making them better suited to milder climates.
With so many WiFi-dependent gadgets being carried around, the iPavement blocks would be an amazing addition to many cities. Allowing people to better optimize their tech experiences, this is a viable way to develop better connected communities.
Set to provide alternative Internet access without reliance on third-party (private) providers, the stone blocks are a more widely accessible approach to connectivity. Bluetooth and WiFi compatible, the blocks are the smartest pavement many people will ever step on. Most functional when placed in close proximity to each other, the integration of many blocks would be necessary to provide consistent coverage. iPavement hotspots, which do run 24/7, are unfortunately not functional at temperatures below -10 degrees, and above 45 degrees, making them better suited to milder climates.
With so many WiFi-dependent gadgets being carried around, the iPavement blocks would be an amazing addition to many cities. Allowing people to better optimize their tech experiences, this is a viable way to develop better connected communities.
Trend Themes
1. Pavement-powered Wifi - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating WiFi connectivity into pavement blocks to provide consistent public WiFi throughout cities.
2. Alternative Internet Access - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating stone blocks as WiFi hotspots to offer an alternative to relying on third-party providers for Internet access.
3. Connected Communities - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhancing connectivity by integrating smart pavement blocks that are Bluetooth and WiFi compatible, allowing people to better optimize their tech experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Smart City Infrastructure - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating iPavement blocks into smart city infrastructure to provide seamless WiFi coverage.
2. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partnering with telecommunications companies to expand WiFi connectivity through the integration of iPavement blocks into urban landscapes.
3. Internet of Things (iot) - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging iPavement blocks to enhance IoT connectivity in urban environments, creating more connected communities.
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