September 2014 Summaries

PubNub CEO Todd Greene and evangelist Dave Nugent conducted a hands-on workshop at the MIT Media Lab, invited by the Director of Computing, Michail Bletsas, to demonstrate how PubNub's platform can enhance Internet of Things (IoT) projects through features like Presence, PubNub Storage and Playback, and Access Manager. These tools help developers build reliable and low-latency IoT applications, as illustrated by partners such as Ford and Get Taxi. The workshop involved using Tessel, a microcontroller equipped with WiFi and capable of running JavaScript, enabling participants to create IoT prototypes that integrated seamlessly with PubNub. By the end of the session, participants had developed demo applications that utilized PubNub to control LEDs, servos, and temperature sensors, showcasing the platform's potential for innovative projects. The Media Lab, known for fostering the convergence of diverse research areas and pioneering technologies, provided an ideal setting for exploring the capabilities of PubNub's infrastructure.

This proof-of-concept project showcases how to use PubNub and Node.js for global, multi-data center MongoDB replication, although it is not yet production-ready. It involves setting up MongoDB with replication sets, where one node is designated as primary and secondary nodes can be promoted if the primary fails, and using the oplog to track changes. Users need a PubNub account to access unique keys for running the sample code, which includes configuring a test MongoDB instance and initiating a replication client to listen to the oplog and send updates to a PubNub channel. While the project aims to inspire and facilitate discussions, it has not undergone scale testing, and feedback is sought for future improvements to make the code more robust and production-ready.

PubNub and Tessel are collaborating to host a Hack Day on October 25, showcasing the capabilities of Tessel, a microcontroller that runs JavaScript and is equipped with a built-in WiFi chip, enabling it to run internet-enabled programs independently. Tessel's integration with PubNub enhances its functionality by allowing it to publish and process data in real-time, such as environmental metrics from modules like climate, accelerometer, and RFID. A simple example demonstrates how a Tessel can blink an LED in response to messages received via the PubNub network, illustrating the ease of connecting multiple smart devices. The setup process for deploying code to Tessel is straightforward, and users can explore additional resources and examples available on a GitHub repository. This collaboration emphasizes the seamless communication between devices and the Internet of Things, facilitated by PubNub's extensive real-time network capabilities.

The rapid growth of the home automation market, projected to increase significantly in the coming years, raises concerns about the security of smart homes, with predictions that a substantial proportion of homes will be 'smart' by the end of the year. Despite the potential for increased security and convenience, security vulnerabilities in IoT devices pose risks, as studies reveal that a significant percentage of these devices contain security flaws. While some consumers believe smart devices enhance home security, factors such as price and convenience often outweigh security concerns when deciding to install these technologies. Experts stress the importance of using secure networks and state-of-the-art technology to mitigate risks, emphasizing hardware authentication solutions like Atmel's CryptoAuthentication family as effective measures against cyber threats. The importance of robust authorization, secure communication without open ports, and proper encryption is highlighted to ensure the protection of data in home automation systems, underscoring the need for users to educate themselves about potential security risks.

Ian Jennings' blog post is part of a series on creating a multiplayer game with JavaScript, focusing on establishing a secure API server in a web browser using client-side JavaScript. Traditionally, servers are built in languages like NodeJS, Ruby, Python, or PHP, but this unconventional approach utilizes JavaScript on the front-end, leveraging the PubNub JavaScript SDK. The tutorial addresses the security issue of clients having access to secret keys by moving access permissions to a server-side simulation in a NodeJS environment, effectively centralizing control and enhancing security. Jennings demonstrates how to create a secure API server that manages permissions and game logic, eliminating the need for backend infrastructure while allowing a laptop to function as a server. The process involves setting up an HTML file, using CSS, and coding the secure API server, with a focus on granting permissions globally and managing private chat capabilities. The guide is part of a comprehensive series that covers various aspects of multiplayer game development, including matchmaking and chatroom creation.

JavaScript Engineer Jarrod Overson, from Shape Security, delivered an engaging presentation at the SF JavaScript Meetup, focusing on enhancing code maintainability through testing practices. His recommendations included utilizing tools like JSHint and ESLint for customizable linting, reducing cyclomatic complexity to make code easier to test, and simplifying unit testing with plugins such as Karma, Grunt, and Gulp. Overson emphasized the importance of automating build processes and enforcing code style guidelines to prevent manual errors and maintain consistency. At PubNub, rigorous testing procedures for their SDKs involve tools like Jenkins, Testswarm, and BrowserStack, with automated scripts managing the testing environment and ensuring continuous integration through systematic testing and feedback loops.

Ian Jennings's blog post, part of a series on creating a multiplayer game with JavaScript, explores the implementation of private chat APIs using PubNub. It provides detailed steps on setting up user access to private chat channels, emphasizing the importance of granting permissions before subscribing to channels to avoid connection errors. The post guides users through the process of managing access control via PubNub's keys and auth_key settings, ensuring that only specific users can interact within private channels. It highlights the necessity of securing access management, pointing out that current methods allow users to grant themselves access, which is not secure. Future tutorials promise to address this by moving access management server-side. Additionally, the launch of a new Chat Resource Center is announced, offering resources for building mobile and web chat applications.

Levi's Stadium, the new home of the San Francisco 49ers, represents a significant advancement in smart, connected stadium technology, with its opening game against the Chicago Bears marking a milestone in professional sports. Costing over $1.2 billion, the stadium is equipped with 680 Wi-Fi access points, 12,000 Ethernet ports, a 40-Gbps fiber optic connection, and nearly 1,200 Wi-Fi antennas, enabling high-speed internet access for fans. The venue also features 1,700 beacons for targeted information delivery and is enhanced by contributions from Sony, including over 2,000 televisions, some of which are 4K units. A smartphone app further enriches the fan experience by allowing food orders, live telecasts, replays, statistics, and directions to the shortest bathroom lines. This integration of technology not only enhances the sports viewing experience but also aligns with the rise of interactive audience participation apps, which utilize real-time data streams to engage fans, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the Internet of Things in live sports venues.