We have discussed at various times the convergence of the digital and physical worlds. There are many ideas and products that currently exist that link the two worlds and can usefully integrate into THE GAME. Beginning this summer, a new product by the startup Fugoo will attempt to facilitate and accelerate, at a relatively low cost, an Internet of Things.
Fugoo co-founders John Hui, Chris Chung and Wayne Inouye started eMachines, the low-price PC maker, back in the day. These days, they are hoping to release a brick-size box, the Fugoo Block, that will plug into specially outfitted home appliances and connect them to the Internet, and one another, delivering information and content to "anywhere and everywhere". Fugoo has partnered with Microsoft, VIA Technologies and Foxconn Technology Group to form the Open Fugoo Alliance. The stated goal of the Alliance is to:
"Accelerate innovation by developing the first complete, open, and free hardware and software platform, the Fugoo Block. The Fugoo Block opens development for OEM manufacturers such as toy, furniture and appliance manufacturers to easily create new products that are 'smart' and Internet enabled. In addition, developers can easily design and build customized applications to engage all types of Fugoo users."To spur innovation and content created for the Fugoo, the Alliance will soon offer a software development kit for application developers and a Fugoo connector for OEM manufacturers.
