What is the Internet of Things?
The IoT may sound like a sci-fi series where everyday objects come to life, but it's more subtle than that.
Think:
Smart switches that talk to smartphones
Smart TVs playing videos from a laptop
Smart thermostats that sync with your smartwatch
So it's things that are using the internet now? Yup!
What Was Life Like Before The IoT?
Before the IoT, the internet was used for and consisted of information made by and for people.
We sent messages and called each other.
We posted and downloaded images, videos, and MP3 files.
These actions were all for our own use.
How Did We Get Here?
In less than a decade we have gone from using our fingers to interact with a device (the first touch screen devices like the iPod)
To being able to able to talk to our devices (asking Google on your laptop for a recipe)
To now have devices talk to each other without our help (your phone telling your apartment thermostat that you've reached home and to turn on the A/C)
Photo by Markus Spiske on UnsplashTechnology is only getting started: soon the IoT may become the IoE (the Internet of Everything)!
Where Can I See IoT In Action?
Those fitness trackers or smartwatches you wear? The ones that can track your movement, heart rate and sleep patterns?
IoT!
The smart devices in your home such as the smart tv, lights, fridge, and your Alexa/Google Home/Siri/Cortana?
IoT!
There are even smart pills that you can ingest so that doctors can monitor your insides, make diagnoses, and help you get better.
It's safe to say that the IoT is here to stay!
Quiz
Smart devices are IoT-enabled and you're looking to "Get Smart". Which of these devices is the first on your shopping list?
Take Action
Now that you know what the Internet of Things means, how does it apply to you?
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.