The word IoT is on everyone’s lips right now, but what does it actually mean? IoT, or The Internet of Things, is made up of a collection of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines with unique identifiers (UIDs), with the ability to transmit data across a network without needing contact between people and computers. In much simpler terms, IoT means any device that is connected to the internet and that shares its data. These are intelligent devices that communicate with each other in real-time.
Whether you are the tech support provider of your extended household, or someone who uses a physical map to navigate your way around a foreign city, you will have come across or used some of these devices in your daily lives. IoT devices are all around us, making menial, repetitive tasks easier and more convenient.
Let’s talk about some specific examples of IoT that you may not have realised make the cut. We are talking about devices that we use on the daily that form part of the wonderful world of IoT. They come in various sizes and shapes from smart phones and smart watches; take for example a Fitbit or Apple watch that counts the calories you burn, displays your heart rate, and even provides notifications, calls and alarms from your phone, to the robot vacuum that cleans your house while you kick back on the couch. There’s also TVs that
let you browse the internet, heating and cooling systems that you control from your phone, and colourful lightbulbs that make your room look like a 70s disco. Of course, we should make mention of our favourite voice assistants like Alexa and Siri who can be helpful for remembering things on your behalf or controlling other household devices, but if we’re honest we know they spend most of their time “secretly” listening in and trying to participate in our conversations because you said sandwich which of course sounds nothing like Siri. *facepalm*
These devices are just a few examples of a much broader network of smart “things” that enable us to streamline tasks and make the most of our time. Even though the term seems difficult to grasp, you now know that IoT plays a big role in your life and that is only going to increase as time goes on. So, the next time you come across this term, don’t be overwhelmed; you’re already an IoT expert!