The Internet of Things is conquering more and more devices that previously worked disconnected. Fridges, vacuum cleaners, light bulbs, and entire cities can now become bright and offer features such as smartphone programming and function selection.
Even the simplest “turning on and off” can be done without the user needing to be next to the appliance, for example.
Any Object Can Enter The Internet Of Things
One of the main points of the Internet of Things is the wide opening for using the concept. That’s because there are no limits on the physical objects that can be connected as long as they offer functions. A lamp, for example, can be controlled from a distance or motion sensors adjusted by an app.
In addition, an air conditioner or an intelligent vacuum cleaner can facilitate housework by operating at scheduled times. Water bottles, vases of flowers, and cabinets also have features to stay connected. In IoT, everything depends on the creativity of the developer.
Everything Can Be Controlled By Just One Device
The Internet of Things concept arrives mainly to facilitate the use of specific devices and the performance of actions. To reinforce this goal, most devices can be controlled from a single smartphone or tablet, provided it is connected to a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G network. Some devices also allow Bluetooth or NFC connection.
The Importance Of RFID
RFID technology, radio frequency identification, was one of the main drivers for developing the Internet of Things. Used in World War II to identify approaching planes, RFID uses antennas and tags to create wireless communication, allowing prostheses to come to life, for example. Over time and with the evolution of broadband, the method was mirrored in home appliances, creating what we know today as IoT.
20 Billion Devices In 2020
According to specialists in the field, 8.4 billion devices received the Internet of Things technology in 2017, an increase of 31% compared to 2016. With the growth, the forecast is that in 2020 the world will have 20 billion connected objects. Most devices can be found in China, North America, and Europe, mainly smart speakers and electric meters.
Computers Are Not Part Of The Internet Of Things
The term “Internet of Things” is used to indicate devices that generally would not have an Internet connection and, based on the work of developers, gain the possibility of performing some actions without a human physically interacting. Because of this, a computer or a smartphone is not part of the IoT concept, as they are created to browse online — unlike refrigerators, light bulbs, and vacuum cleaners.
There Are Privacy Issues
To work with voice commands, for example, many Internet of Things devices stay connected while making recordings until they identify a keyword that triggers their functions. In this way, some devices leave user information at risk, with significant privacy breaches.
The Amazon Echo, which works with the virtual assistant Alexa, has been the subject of criticism in recent months in the United States after a couple recorded their conversation and sent by email, in addition to some people identifying laughter coming from the device.
Devices Can Also Be Hacked
Like computers and cell phones, IoT devices are also vulnerable to hackers, mainly due to the lack of security software. By having equipment invaded, criminals can access sensitive files, passwords, microphones, cameras, and sensors of the object, allowing them to monitor all the users’ domestic activities.
In recent years, experts have identified hackers acting on smart toys, car systems, and smart TVs. Security companies indicate that 70% of Internet of Things devices are vulnerable to these attacks.
Entire Cities Can Become Competent
In addition to implementing the Internet of Things throughout the home, from objects in the bedroom and living room to kitchen appliances, the Internet can also reach streets and avenues, making entire cities bright.
IoT Can Predict Needs
When using connected devices daily; technology begins to learn the customs and tasks of users. Thus, intelligent refrigerators, for example, have the potential to predict the needs of owners and inform them about which products are missing using notifications on their cell phones. More straightforwardly, the concept can be observed with virtual assistants who learn to automatically speak the weather forecast or the news of the day to users every morning.
It Would Help If You Spoke English
The expansion of the Internet of Things is still recent, and, as a result, most of the products available only have configurations and interfaces in English. The feature can harm those who do not master the language, disturbing voice commands or service settings.
Also Read: IoT In Business: Applications And Cautions