Thingorfriendly

Thingorfriendly is a term used to describe products, services, and standards that are designed to operate compatibly with a broad range of Internet of Things devices and platforms. The label signals a focus on interoperability, user-centric design, and ethical handling of data within connected ecosystems. While not tied to a formal certification, Thingorfriendly is often used by manufacturers and developers to convey intent toward openness and ease of integration.

Origin and etymology: The word is a portmanteau of "things" (as in Internet of Things) and "friendly". It emerged in online discussions and industry writing around the early 2010s as conversations about cross-platform compatibility and user experience intensified.

Definition and scope: Thingorfriendly describes hardware and software that adhere to principles such as open or well-documented interfaces, compatibility with multiple ecosystems, privacy-respecting data practices, and clear user controls. It also implies security-by-design, energy efficiency, accessibility, and long-term support to minimize vendor lock-in.

Characteristics: Common traits include interoperable APIs, support for standard data formats, straightforward onboarding, consistent user interfaces across devices, transparent data policies, and mechanisms for opt-in data sharing. It prioritizes performance stability, firmware updates, and clear provenance of third-party integrations.

Reception and status: Because there is no universal governing body for Thingorfriendly, the term remains advisory rather than contractual. It is used variably by companies and reviewers and may accompany marketing claims with third-party assessments or user testimonials.

Related concepts: Interoperability, open standards, privacy by design, security by design, and the broader Internet of Things ecosystem.