The (Re)Rise of Assembly

Well, I never.

In days long ago when I first started out in IT, the language of choice for any serious developer had to be Assembly, whether it be Z80, 6510 or 6502. In-machine memory was small and expensive and developers needed to produce code that was tight, efficient and compact. Things progressed, memory became cheap and newer, ’easier’ programming languages took hold.

Now, with the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) the demand for Assembly language skills seem, to be once more, on the rise. According to Tiobe's programming language index, Assembly just cracked the top-10.

It is no surprise that the languages most in demand are still C, C++ and Java, but this blogger, for one, never imagined a time when Assembly would once more appear in the top 10. 

The most likely reasons that we are seeing this trend is the growth in small devices that, by nature of their size, have a need for the compact coding footprint of that once popular form of programming. Plus, Assembly code for a set chip-set can run on just about any device that makes use of that chip-set.

As IoT technology evolves we may see a reversal in the ‘rise from the ashes’ of Assembly, new technology may once more allow the use of looser, bigger foot print languages. But for now, as a developer, you could do a lot worse than dusting of your old Assembly skills.

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Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

Will Hogarth is a long time geek, writer and long distance triathlete, with extensive experience in most areas of the IT World. Will is a former games developer, DBA and project manager, but unlike most geeks he has a passion for the outdoors and a life of adventure.

Links

media.vgs.global || www.willhogarth.com

Layers of the Smart Home

The question I get asked most about Smart Homes is: “Can you quickly explain how it all works?” So today’s post is based on how I normally explain Smart Home technologies to those people.

I Hope it helps.

To understand the technology of the Smart Home, you need to think of it like any other technology stack. It is arranged in layers. For the Smart Home, this can be considered as a 3-layer set…

1) The Interface Layer.

This is where you as the smart home owner/user control, monitor and programmes the full range of Smart Home technologies within the Home. This interface layer may take on the form of a wall mounted touch panel. Or, as is becoming more common, a PC, tablet or smart phone, via an app or range of apps. 

The interface layer also allows, those with the relevant skill set, the ability to write macros and programme their smart technologies to enhance their functionality.

2) The Controller Layer.

In any Smart Home, the controller is the hub of operations. It is the consolidated solution for unifying any connected ‘Things’ and controlling them from a one simple application. Many of the larger Smart Home suppliers provide a Controller of some sort.

The easiest way of thinking about it is, as a small, highly connected computer that specialises in providing access to, and controlling things. In fact, in some instances where a dedicated Smart Homes Controllers are not used, a PC can be slotted into his layer.

3) The Things Layer.

Things, as in the Internet of Things (or IoT), are the fun side of the technology set. In traditional IT terms they are the peripherals. The amount and range of which, are increasing every day. Things include: Lighting, Security, heating, comfort control, white-goods, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. 

The level of integration each of these ‘Things’ brings to the smart home is device dependant. These could range from being pre-programmed, to controlled remotely, through to being set up as truly smart and being allowed to control themselves based on a set of pre-defined logic.

In a nutshell there you have it. A basic look at how Smart Home technology all hangs together.

Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

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What is this IoT I have been hearing about?

The IoT or internet of things is becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation between technology experts and futurologists, but what is it?

The IoT is the network of connected physical objects. This includes everything from mobile phones, fridges, washing machines, webcams, lighting, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of. There is a conservative estimate that there will be over 26 billion connected devices by the year 2020.

Examples often touted are of the coffee maker that texts you when you are running out of your favourite coffee or the smart fridge that tells you off for drinking too much beer. However, the are many more practical, real world, implementations of the IoT. Many heating providers are now advertising the smart heating systems that you can control remotely from your smart phone. Or, lighting companies who can provide lighting that can be pre-programmed to represent relevant moods. 

But why all the fuss?

Well on the bottom line is the energy saving possibilities that can be delivered by such technologies. It has been estimated that households could save up to 10% of the annual energy bills by the appropriate use of the IoT in a structured Smart Home scenario. Not to be sniffed at, by anyone.

But, Are we there yet?

This is a yes and no answer.  While some of the ideas and even some of the implementations of IoT devises are a bit ‘pie in the sky’ at the moment, more and more devices are coming onto the market every day.  The big plus is the Smart Home realisation of the IoT is most definitely with us. This includes centralised, remote and automated control of lighting, security, comfort and audio-visual aspect of the home.

So what does this mean?

Way back, along came the TV. Initially, to a few houses here and there. Then everyone had to have one (or more) Jump forward a few decades and a long came satellite TV. Again a few households here and there. Then almost everyone had a dish on the wall. The same can be said for mobile phones.

Smart Homes and the IoT will be the next such technology. All you need to do is Google the related subjects to see the march towards a truly connect world.

If you are interested in the Smart Home, feel free to get in contact with VGS Media. We will be glad to answer your questions.