You might feel like technology snuck up suddenly and overwhelmingly took over all at once. Still, it has been gradually making people’s lives a little bit easier for decades now, with one of our first peeks being the internet. It grew exponentially into what we term IoT or the “Internet of Things.”
While the name might be unfamiliar to many who are not technologically versed, the term can almost be self-explanatory in that it represents the internet branching out into a system that comprises billions of “things” or other devices globally. These connect back to the internet and among themselves through wireless networking, or you could say a sort of “connected ecosystem.”
Many businesses are responsible for managing these systems, like IoT Cal-Chip, a premier company for surface-mounted devices. These all mean to make life as we know it simpler. As long as the unit can connect back to the internet and provides sensors that put out data, it will suffice as an “Internet of Things” device.
Do not confuse your smartphone in this context. While it can do both things, it does not have a designation as IoT. However, they do play a key role in the processes because many of the smartphones will control the systems via an app like speaking to the household thermostat, which can ultimately save money on energy costs.
Understanding IoT In Simplistic Terms
“Internet of Things systems have sensors and tiny processors that react to the data the sensor collects in using a system where the machines similarly learn as humans do, designated as “machine learning” – they accumulate the data surrounding them, making them “smart.” These tiny computers are prone to hacking and malware, the same as their traditional cousins.
The artificial intelligence of the machines helps them to learn without the need for programming by a human. There are limitations, but smart devices like a connected refrigerator might be able to send a notice to a smartphone indicating what you need for your next grocery shopping trip because it can sense that you are close to a market.
Benefits of the “Internet of Things”
Internet of Things (IoT) can be explained simply as everything towards Internet, which includes the fast growing smart technologies, model digital innovations, artificial intelligence, etc.
The goal of the IoT is to ensure that human life is simplified and convenient. That is generally the entire premise behind the technology. The advantages are plenty but can prove daunting to those who are not entirely on board with the advances yet.
Since the pandemic, more people are grabbing onto technology to speak with family and friends on the computer since they cannot see them in real-time, so there is some acknowledgment that the internet is genuinely positive and necessary with fluctuations in society and times changing. Some notable trends people are paying attention to:
- Diet / Exercise: People are more in tune with wellness and self-care, making diet and exercise a priority. There are “smart” scales for the bathroom that work cohesively with a treadmill to present your smartphone or laptop with healthy meal planning ideas so that you can stay on top of your health regimen.
Everyone wants to participate in meal planning because it saves so much time and effort through the week with lunch and dinner preparation. The idea is to make the week’s meals on Sunday, so the week is free with just reheating.
- Security for The Home: You can never have too much security monitoring for the household with lights coming on and going off when you go into a room and leave. Plus, you can stream live videos of the house while away from home to ensure everything is okay.
- Smart Voice: More of a luxury tool is the assistant smart voice with one purpose to place takeout order when you make the request allowing you to merely sit back and wait on the food to arrive at your door.
None of this genuinely has the consideration of sci-fi. It is merely a matter of living in fully internet-connected lives with devices that can develop an understanding of our preferences and offer those experiences so that we can live seamless lives with not much effort on our part.
And this technology grows by leaps and bounds every day with smaller but much more intelligent systems. Ultimately, everything you touch might have a connection, all talking together to attempt to service you in the best way possible. So as said, the Internet of Things is all about understanding technology.
Final Thought
It is always wise to look at both sides of the coin. While we see connectedness as a simpler, easier, and more convenient lifestyle, what about the vulnerabilities? The connections need to remain safe and secure, which most likely these companies who bring us IoT work tirelessly to ensure.
Hackers, though, are also an ever-evolving breed right alongside the IT developers, becoming just as bright and sometimes a step ahead of those considered the best in the business. If they hack into your smart devices, you will be at risk in many ways depending on how you are connected and where they access.
One key factor in maintaining your router’s security, ultimately protecting the household network and any connected devices. The router is like the entry point for your internet’s sanctuary holding the key to all the devices that ultimately lead to your personal life and areas of private safety and security.
