By Pam Smith (@pamksmith), Head of Communications, North America, Telefónica Digital

30 October 2013: There are very few topics hotter in the Valley than the Internet of Things, so when Mobile Monday Silicon Valley gathered together twenty of the leaders in the space, an interesting dinner was guaranteed. The details of the discussion are confidential, but I’m able to give you an insight into some of the themes occupying the minds that shape the industry.

Around the table, all elements of the ecosystem were represented, ranging from the use of connected data to create new games, a cooking scale that monitors the nutrition of ingredients, connected car infrastructure, location-aware software and connected devices to monitor and facilitate fitness activities.

Amongst the usual debates, disagreements and dessert, some clear themes emerged:

The Manufacturing of M2M

There are about 20 million connected devices in the US, expected to grow to 50 billion connected devices by the end of 2020, which is staggering growth. But for a fully-realized Internet of things ecosystem to thrive, OEMs and manufacturers will need to advance significantly and develop M2M as a core capability.

The role of telcos in the new world

On the whole, telecommunication companies are embracing the opportunity of connected devices and M2M innovation, for example Telefónica’s Connected Metering Platform to aid smart meter deployments. The wireless revolution offered by M2M innovations will create a $14.4-trillion business opportunity that telecommunications companies in particular will be in a strong position to facilitate and invest in.

Designing an Internet of Things for everyone

Even those who work with connected devices sometimes see the Internet of Things as an enormous puzzle – there are disparate products, software, data collection methods and varying consumer perceptions when it comes to connected devices, geolocation and similar emerging technologies. Treading the line between helpful or creepy, simplistic or bewildering, are all issues being carefully considered by those in the business of connected devices and M2M communication.