The internet of things, or IoT, has become the latest acronym to become an important discussion topic online. Everyone knows all about it, and they’re keen to share this knowledge and have you connected as soon as they can.
It is argued that as a concept, IoT will change how we live forever, and yet for many out there, it is still quite a mystery. This article will debunk some of the myths and provide a clear and concise understanding as to how and why the internet of things is changing how we all live.
What is the internet of things?
In a nutshell, and at its most basic, the internet of things is the connectivity of smart and interrelated technology for the specific purpose of simplifying various everyday processes and systems for human living.
Everything can be connected through the internet, and most modern household and personal technology is now connected in this way. Data is gathered from each device, and over time they will all become more attuned to your specific needs and wants. It is without a doubt that these smart and interconnected systems, devices, and technological advancements are changing our lives.
What are the main changes to our lives?
· The smart connected home
The connected living space is something that a considerable number of us now live with. Home devices and appliances are connected through the internet and can be controlled using a centralized handheld device.
This allows you to control aspects of home living such as your air conditioning and heating as well as the music level and lighting. The smart home is where these devices have developed to a level where they are able to think for themselves.
The heating can be adjusted automatically to reach the right temperature for you, and lighting dimmed or brightened up depending on the prevailing conditions. A smart, connected home is one where you have a combination of these aspects, and they are all controlled and programmed using the internet of things.
· The office is always with you
Remote and hybrid work has become the main way of working in the new normal, and the internet of things holds great promise for such work as the level of connectivity improves.
Technology that is used for commercial purposes is now able to connect to each other freely, and the possibility to remotely gather data and improve processes is becoming more widespread through the use of the internet of things and connecting remote worker devices over the internet.
· The personal tech for fitness and health
The health and fitness sector has seen major changes in the way that personal health and fitness are measured and monitored. Smartwatches that can read and monitor heart rate, count your steps, and design a physical workout based on the information that you provide are commonplace.
The tech that we have used for gaming, entertainment, and smart home living and commercial success is now more readily being used in personal healthcare monitoring and maintenance, being able to report to a centralized data repository allowing professionals to access and understand your health needs without the need for a physical checkup.
Is it for the better, and what is the future of the internet of things?
Research shows that there has been a huge increase in the number of IoT devices across the world. As of 2021, there are reported to be 35 billion such devices that were intelligently performing tasks in business, our personal lives, manufacturing, and retail, and by 2025 there will be over 75 billion IoT devices.
There are indeed some positives, and it is expected that the world of personal healthcare is going to improve in leaps and bounds. The ability to monitor and report on health and well being remotely for millions of people will ensure that there is sufficient healthcare planning and that these people are provided with suitable care.
· The rise of machines
Perhaps there is one negative with IoT on the horizon – it is postulated that as tech and our home, work, and personal devices become smarter and more able to learn and improve on their own, we as a species may be on our decline.
The need to plan ahead and think through each waking moment can arguably be removed with enough smart connected IoT devices. And we have all watched the futuristic movies of our demise at the hands of technology; perhaps these were not too far-fetched.
· Unequal distribution of IoT
As with anything else that has been technologically driven, there are associated costs, and as such, the benefits are not freely shared and distributed. This means that as the developed world moves forward with these devices and our way of life changes, those in the less developed world may have a much longer time to wait to have this tech and associated advancements to human life.
The internet of things is already changing how we live and interact with each other in work, business, and healthcare aspects. These changes are expected to continue at pace, heralding even further change and disruption to our way of life across the world. Most of it will be positive, but it is definitely a tech development process to keep an eye on.
