As our world becomes increasingly electrified and connected, it's important to note that humans are still at the center of it and that collaboration is needed in order to properly utilize the potential of the "Internet of Things (IoT)," electronics giant Samsung said earlier this week.

Speaking before the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off in Las Vegas earlier this week, Samsung president and CEO B.K. Yoon stressed the importance of IoT, stating it is the future of electronics, but not without some effort.

"The Internet of Things is not about 'things.' Instead, it is about people," Yoon said. "Each person is at the center of their own technology universe, and the IoT universe will constantly adapt and change shape as people move through their world."

What is the "Internet of Things," you ask? It merely refers to the invisible network that exists between various devices -- from home appliances to smartphones to cars. The IoT is just that, a network through which machines can communicate with each other and the world around them.

"The Internet of Things has the potential to transform our society, economy and how we live our lives," Yoon declared. "It is our job to pull together -- as an industry, and across different sectors -- to make true on the promise of the Internet of Things."

Yoon also announced that Samsung plans to invest $100 million in the IoT in 2015 and that all Samsung devices should be IoT-friendly in five years.

Segmentation, however, could pose a huge roadblock for the IoT. With different companies racing to have their operating system or their device be the center of attention, they often leave out competitors' efforts purposefully. This could lead to an incredibly fragmented society in the future, where smart technology plays a larger role in everyday routines (would you have to go completely Android? or completely iOS? or completely Windows? shouldn't consumers be able to mix and match?)

"I know in my heart that neither one single company nor one industry alone can deliver the benefits of the Internet of Things," said Mr. Yoon. "To create this IoT universe, we have to see the potential of the Internet of Things across all kinds of industries. Only if we work together can we improve people's lives."

"Any device, from any platform, must be able to connect and communicate with one another," added Alex Hawkinson, CEO of SmartThings, a tech firm that specializes in turning an "ordinary home into a smart home."

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