SALT LAKE CITY — The Internet of Things is constantly evolving.

Everything from coffee makers to thermostats have been added to the ever-growing network of IoT devices. But the newest trend in IoT is much more ambitious than hoverboards or wearable fitness trackers — it's smart cities.

As of 2015, 54 percent of the world's population live in urban areas. By 2050, that number is expected to jump to 66 percent. Using information and communication technologies, smart cities aim to improve the performance, quality, and interactivity of urban services and reduce consumption and costs of resources.

While smart city initiatives launched in Amsterdam, Barcelona and Stockholm several years ago, the notion of smart cities came to the forefront of Americans' minds in September 2015 when the White House announced a new smart cities initiative. This plan will dedicate $160 million in federal research and utilize 25 technology collaborations to help communities address urban challenges, from reducing traffic congestion to managing climate change effects.

The government isn't the only entity diving into smart cities. Several technology powerhouses are expanding their IoT offerings and are already launching the first smart cities in the U.S.

AT&T launches smart city initiatives in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas

Over the past few years, AT&T has been making significant progress in the IoT realm. According to SecurityGem, AT&T became "one of many 'triple play' providers dipping a toe into home security waters" when it announced its Digital Life package in 2015. At the popular tech trade expo Consumer Electronics Show at the beginning of January, AT&T revealed its plan to become a more substantial part of consumers' lives, serving as the link that connects cars, health monitors, and traffic lights. And at its Developer Summit, running parallel to CES, AT&T announced its newest project — a smart city initiative in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas.

Working with Cisco Systems, General Electric, Qualcomm and other major partners, AT&T will focus on developing IoT technologies that address transportation, public safety, infrastructure and citizen engagement. AT&T is also creating a digital dashboard that allows cities to see how assets are performing and keep abreast of power outages, water leaks, traffic accidents and more in near-real time.

Panasonic teams up with Denver to improve residents' lives

AT&T wasn't the only tech giant to make a smart city announcement at the 2016 CES: Panasonic also revealed its smart city partnership with Denver at the convention. Panasonic's initiative includes a network of programmable LED street lights with on-street cameras, smart solar grids, video analytics for parking, and improved security management to address multiple urban concerns in the city. In terms of residential developments, residents will be able to interact with their doctors in real time through an in-home biometric reading and tele-medicine program.

By making transportation more efficient, improving green energy usage, and increasing access to advanced public resources, the goal of this smart city initiative is to transform Denver into a simpler and more enjoyable place to work, live, and travel. Simultaneously, the project provides Panasonic the opportunity to expand its reach beyond electronics and enter the IoT space for consumers.

Intel and San Jose join forces to improve sustainability initiatives

Silicon Valley is home to hundreds of technology companies, so it comes as no surprise that San Jose has partnered with tech giant Intel to transform itself into a smart city. Nicknamed Smart Cities USA, San Jose and Intel will work together to further the city's Green Vision initiative — a 15-year plan for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life — which it launched in 2007.

Intel expects to help San Jose create 25,000 clean-tech jobs, drive economic growth, and improve the city's environmental sustainability. To achieve this goal, Intel will work with the city to track real-time data on air quality, noise pollution, traffic flow, and other environmental and urban concerns — which it will then use to encourage residents to reduce emissions by carpooling or using public transportation or bicycles to get to work or school.

What's next for IoT?

Smart cities may sound like something of the distant future, but many people thought the same thing about smartphones and smart homes. Jump to 2015 and 64 percent of American adults own a smartphone and 1.9 billion smart home devices have been installed. If smart cities are anything like these other smart innovations, we should see them popping up in our communities sooner rather than later.

Alice is a health and wellness blogger at www.honestlyfitness.com. In addition to wellness, she enjoys writing about business, social media, tech and HR.