Google, along with other companies and researchers, dreams of so-called ubiquitous computing or ambient intelligence — computers woven into the texture of life as opposed to being separate machines.
Such systems can be found in literature dealing with the topic of pervasive computing or ambient intelligence.
The Internet of Things hosts a vision of ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence, which are enhanced by requiring, among other things, total communication and complete computing capability, and by integrating the elements of continuous communication, identification and interaction.
There is increasing interest in creating networks of situated public displays that offer novel forms of interaction and rich media content often as work towards a vision of ubiquitous computing or ambient multimedia.
Can it prosper in an age of ambient computing?
"An open-field for developers could very quickly lead to intrusive applications which really miss the point of the watch as an ambient computing device, something which adds convenience, rather than distraction," says Stuart Frisby, principal designer at Booking.com.
In a landmark study earlier this year by the Pew Research Centre, a non-partisan think-tank based in Washington, DC, most of the 2,500 or so information experts canvassed expected to see a global, immersive and ambient computing environment emerge over the coming decade.
The next stop on the road to the fourth revolution is ambient computing or ambient intelligence, where we continuously interface to the always-on, interconnected world of things.
There's no doubt cars or ambient computing represent huge opportunities.
In Nadella's ideal world, computing will be ambient and everywhere.
