Deviceshave

Deviceshave is a term used to describe a hypothetical, platform-agnostic standard for describing and negotiating device capabilities in the Internet of Things. It aims to enable devices, hubs, and applications to share a common understanding of what a device can do and how to access those functions.

Overview

The core idea of deviceshave is to attach a capability descriptor to each device, listing supported interfaces, services, and resources. The descriptor, typically serialized in JSON, includes fields such as id, name, version, type, interfaces, and properties. A discovery mechanism allows clients to retrieve descriptors via local network queries or cloud lookup. A negotiation mechanism lets clients request a subset of features and for devices to grant, propose alternatives, or enforce access controls.

Architecture and standards

Deviceshave envisions a modular model with a capability registry, a discovery layer, and a negotiation layer. Implementations would aim for backward compatibility and privacy-preserving operation, with robust authentication, authorization, and audit trails. Security considerations emphasize secure communication, feature-level access control, and versioning to manage compatibility across updates.

Applications and impact

In smart homes, industrial automation, and consumer electronics, deviceshave could simplify interoperability by reducing bespoke integrations and enabling dynamic adaptation of user interfaces and workflows. Potential benefits include faster device onboarding, more flexible automations, and clearer capability signaling. Limitations include the need for broad adoption, consistent versioning, and careful governance to prevent misuse.

Note: This article describes deviceshave as a fictional construct used for illustrative purposes.