In a very short time, the Internet has dramatically changed how we work, live, play, and learn. Yet, we have barely scratched the surface. Using existing and new technologies, we are connecting the physical world to the Internet. It is by connecting the unconnected that we transition from the Internet to the Internet of Things.
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What is Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT basically refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. Due to processors becoming cheaper every year and wireless networks reaching every part of the globe, it’s possible to turn anything, from a jacket to an airplane, into part of the IoT. This gives devices that would otherwise be characterized as dumb by humans a level of digital intelligence, enabling them to communicate without a human being involved, and merging the digital and physical worlds.
Internet of Things Examples in the World Today include;
Smart Jacket
Google and Levi collaborated to create a connected jacket that works in sync with the jacquard app and allows you to answer calls, use maps, stop or start your music, get directions, or read incoming text messages just by swiping or tapping on the jacket’s sleeve. With a recent update, the jacket reminds you to take your phone if the distance between the phone and the jacket becomes too great.
The Nest smart Home
Credit Image: Google
Nest Labs a manufacturer of smart home products including thermostats, smoke detectors, and security systems including smart doorbells and smart locks aims at having a connected home by making a home filled with smart products. The products are programmable, self-learning, sensor-driven, and Wi-Fi-enabled and therefore can communicate via the internet.
Kohler Verdera Smart Mirror.
Credit Image: Google
If any of you are “Snow white” fans, then you must have heard of the phrase “Mirror, mirror, on the wall…” Coupled with Amazon’s Alexa, the Verdera is like a magic mirror that can answer questions, tell you about the weather, and show you notifications right on the mirror. With the popularity of voice already dominating the market, this makes sense as a next step.
Samsung’s Smart Fridge.
Credit Image: Google
As Samsung calls it, the family hub enables you to shop for food, organize your family’s schedule, entertain, and even see who’s at the door all right from your fridge.
Other popular IoT devices include smart Bluetooth trackers, smart bike locks and trackers, connected smart kitchens, wireless smart vents, wireless home energy monitors, etc.
Future of IoT.
With more devices joining the internet every day, Internet of Things has a bright future be it in business enterprises and industries, or in our very homes and schools.
IoT is, therefore, a field to watch out for and join, or even invest in because it is still growing rapidly and it is not slowing down for anyone.