The development of the Internet of Things is facing compatibility issues

In theory, by connecting small computers in home appliances, household items, and even clothing, shoes, and hats together, the Internet of Things can make our lives simpler and work more efficient. These computers can communicate with each other, connect to the home or public Internet, collect data in the environment, and make adjustments based on the received information. In this way, interconnected sensors can predict user needs, helping users save time, energy, and money.
 
However, the prerequisite for achieving this goal is that relevant manufacturers must consider how to do it in the best interests of users. Recently, Philips' approach to the Hue smart lighting system has sparked controversy. The Hue system integrates a central control module that can remotely control the connected light bulbs. In mid December, Philips released a software upgrade that made this system no longer compatible with smart light bulbs from other manufacturers.
 
The user subsequently expressed strong dissatisfaction. The Hue system was originally compatible with the industry standard ZigBee protocol, but Philips stopped supporting ZigBee during software upgrades. Under pressure, Philips resumed support for ZigBee a few days later.
 
The controversy of companies using anti copy technology to block competitors is not new. Many companies have set private standards to ensure that users cannot use competitors' products. For example, Keurig once added specialized codes to coffee bags to ensure that the company's coffee machines could only use these coffee bags. HP has also taken a similar approach to printers and ink cartridges.
 
In order to prevent competitors from reverse engineering private standards and developing compatible peripherals (such as another company integrating Keurig's code on coffee bags), these companies also utilized the "Digital Millennium Act" passed in 1998. The initial purpose of this law was to address the issue of music and movie piracy, but it also played an important role in limiting security and compatibility research.
 
It should be noted that the Digital Millennium Act also includes provisions to prevent circumvention. According to this clause, companies are not allowed to bypass the "technical protection measures" that control the use rights of copyrighted works. This means that no one is allowed to develop Hue compatible light bulbs or produce HP printer ink cartridges without authorization from Philips.
 
In the computer industry, people have become accustomed to this situation. In the 1990s, Microsoft adopted a strategy known as "embracing, expanding, and eliminating". Based on this strategy, if certain products adopt widely accepted standards, Microsoft will gradually introduce proprietary technology into them. There have also been recent cases where Amazon's e-book format is not compatible with e-readers from other manufacturers; Music purchased from Apple iTunes cannot be played on other players; All game consoles have their own proprietary game formats.