From Internet of Everything to Intelligent Connected Everything: Tencent Cloud IoT Developer Summit 2021

In 2020, IoT connections surpassed non-IoT connections for the first time, marking humanity's transition from the "Internet of Everything" era to the "Intelligent Connected Everything" era. The third Techo TVP Developer Summit, held on October 17, 2021, focused on this transformation with the theme "『物』所不在 『联』动未来—从万物互联到万物智联."

According to GSMA reports, the global IoT market is projected to reach $900 billion by 2025. Tencent Cloud has established a comprehensive "Cloud-Edge-Pipe-End" IoT infrastructure product matrix, providing platform services across device connection, network, application, and terminal ecosystem layers, serving both consumer and industrial IoT sectors.

Tencent Cloud IoT Development Path: Tencent launched "Tencent Lianlian" to address three key industry challenges: insufficient cost-effectiveness, varying cloud value propositions across supply chain stages, and device-ecosystem integration issues. The platform aggregates data, AI, and audio-video capabilities to enhance development efficiency, leveraging WeChat ecosystem for reduced user education costs and improved message delivery.

5G IoT Technology: 5G networks are fundamentally designed for IoT applications. Key developments include: 5G RedCap for cost-effective terminals targeting video surveillance and industrial sensors; enhanced uplink capabilities; reduced latency improvements; and high reliability enhancements. Future trends indicate network consolidation replacing multiple networks, cloudification replacing discrete systems, remote operations replacing on-site work, and automation replacing manual processes.

Edge Computing for AIoT: Edge computing adds an intermediate layer between devices and cloud, providing IaaS and PaaS services including converged network, computing, storage, and applications. Tencent Cloud's edge computing addresses four key challenges: latency (millisecond-level for industrial IoT and healthcare), bandwidth (data filtering at edge reduces cloud pressure), connectivity (offline processing during network interruptions), and security (local data processing ensures data doesn't leave premises).

Wireless Transmission Technologies: Key technologies including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, and cellular networks provide multi-protocol, full-scenario support for IoT. The industry needs unified standards and ecosystems to enable interoperability.

TencentOS for IoT: TencentOS Tiny is a self-developed RTOS for IoT terminals featuring an AT communication module framework, OTA upgrades, multi-level low-power management, and security components. TencentOS Edge is a Linux-based OS for edge gateways providing edge containers, AIoT capabilities, and media engines. Both are open-source, with TencentOS Tiny already having an active developer community.

IoT for Life Protection: IoT applications extend to wildlife protection through wearable devices for animals, following three design principles: "Bone Feeling" (understanding structure), "Face Reading" (observing behavior patterns), and "Weak Point Protection" (ensuring device placement doesn't harm animals).

Industry Outlook: Panel discussions identified three drivers for IoT explosion: user demand for intelligence, technology development and cost reduction, and supportive policies like "Smart Manufacturing 2025." Experts predict annual growth opportunities ahead, with technology development and user demand for quality life being fundamental driving forces.