Loic Le Meur is the founder of LeWeb, reportedly Europe’s biggest Internet event. LeWeb’s 2012 theme was the “Internet of Things,” the idea that every object can be Web-enabled. Compass spoke to Le Meur about how the ability to connect everything may revolutionize life.
COMPASS: What do you find fascinating about technology?
LOIC LE MEUR: I have been fascinated by technology since I ‘stole’ my parents’ first Macintosh in 1985; I was a kid but wanted to learn programming. I always wanted to make technology the center of my life because it’s constantly evolving and changing. There is always a next thing.
What is your definition of the “Internet of Things”?
LLM: At first, the Internet could only be accessed on computers. Then, with the advent of smart mobile devices, we could take the Internet with us wherever we went. The Internet of Things is an evolution of this – it is about connecting the Internet to most objects around us. Soon, we will open our home and car doors remotely with our phones. It’s all starting to happen now, and it is changing the way we live.
"I THINK IT’S NOT A QUESTION OF WHETHER THE INTERNET OF THINGS WILL TRULY DEVELOP OR NOT; IT IS ALREADY HERE AND GROWING. IT IS HOW WE ADAPT TO IT THAT WILL UNLEASH ITS TRUE POWER."
LOIC LE MEUR
LEWEB FOUNDER
What benefits can the Internet of Things bring to our daily lives?
LLM: Health is a big one. At LeWeb, we showcased how sensors can measure our brain waves so we can analyze ourselves better. Today, we need blood and DNA samples to track our health, but soon enough we will have permanent little sensors that will track everything happening in our body. We can have a lot more fun with the Internet of Things, too. Imagine if I don’t burn enough calories in a day. My fitness device could ensure that the fridge won’t open so I can’t eat that extra snack!
What role do you think the concept plays in transportation and mobility?
LLM: Self-driving cars will definitely be safer than human drivers in regular cars. I would love to be able to drink a few more glasses of wine at dinner with my friends and have my car safely drive me home without worrying about the alcohol levels in my body.
How do you think the future will look if the Internet of Things truly develops?
LLM: I think it’s not a question of whether the Internet of Things will truly develop or not; it is already here and growing. It is how we adapt to it that will unleash its true power. It will be awesome.
- Loic Le Meur, founder of LeWeb, was named one of “Europe’s Tech25” by The Wall Street Journal and one of the 25 most influential people on the Web by Business Week magazine.
