Microsoft has joined the AllSeen Alliance, an effort backed by Qualcomm to provide a standard for connecting the Internet of Things.
The alliance already has 50 companies on board, including LG, Panasonic, and Sharp. The group’s goal is to make it easy for devices to interact with one another by devising a single standard through which they can communicate.
Qualcomm’s rivals, however, are prepared to form their own group, according to unnamed sources cited by Reuters. The competing consortium may launch as soon as next week, and will seek to create its own standard for connecting the Internet of Things.
Apple has already announced HomeKit, its own protocol for connecting smartphones and tablets to devices around the home. Further, Google recently released an SDK for its Nest thermostat, which will eventually allow smartphones, tablets, and other apps to interact with Nest. Multiple standards may make it more difficult for consumers to find devices that work with one another.
Reuters didn’t say which companies are going to support the competitor to AllSeen.
