What is the Internet of Things or IOT?

Remember when all everyone could talk about was “the Cloud”? Every commercial and movie contained some mention of this invisible world where all data could be stored and saved. Nobody really knew what it was or where it lived, but they knew it was supposed to change the world. Nowadays, the cloud is just that place where you save your iTunes songs and Amazon Prime movies. Similarly, the phrase “Internet of Things” is this generation’s buzzword that every technology company uses to impress customers. But what does it actually mean?

IOT, or the Internet of Things, is defined by the all knowing Wikipedia as a network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data and be remotely sensed and controlled.

Uhhmmmmm…What does that really mean?? In layman’s (or laywoman’s terms), this means that any appliance, mobile device, toy, or consumer product with a Wi-Fi chip has the potential to talk to each other and share data from any location when connected to the Internet. A great example of this is a Fitbit watch, a wearable technology that allows people to track their daily fitness and wirelessly sync results to their computer or mobile phone.

Other examples of IOT-enabled devices include smart thermostats, automated home security systems, washer and dryers that can be remotely activated, and refrigerators that recommend recipes based on stored items.

Is the Internet of Things here to stay?

Yes, it is. Gartner, Inc. “forecasts that 6.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2016, up 30 percent from 2015, and will reach 20.8 billion by 2020”. They also predict that in 2016, 5.5 million new things will get connected every day. If that number doesn’t blow your mind, what will?

How will the Internet of Things affect our daily lives?

The Internet Things will impact our world in more ways than one. Such opportunities for progress include:

• Smart Homes – Homes that provide owners with comfort, security, energy efficiency,  and convenience at all times, regardless of whether anyone is home.
• Tech Wearables – Clothing, watches, and other accessories that have the potential to increase personal safety, health, and daily fitness.
• Improved Business Analytics & Intelligence – Companies will be able to better track consumer behavior, wants and needs and develop products that come with customized customer service.

But all benefits come with challenges. Loss of security and privacy, over-dependence on technology, and decrease in employment due to automation are just a few of the concerns held by businesses and consumers alike. Our goal at Connected Chic is to provide you with the best IOT-focused content to navigate this changing environment.