The first instance of the internet was witnessed in the 1960s as ARPANET. ARPANET was a connectivity network built during the Cold War in response to Russia launching the Sputnik satellite.
The launch of Sputnik cemented the Soviet Union as a pioneer and a first mover in technology. In response to this breakthrough the United States began taking steps to boost the pace of its research and developments in technology.
As a result the U.S. launched ARPANET, an intricate, closed network that facilitated communication between research institutes and the government. This milestone marked the first instance of the internet.
However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the Internet officially came into existence with the birth of the TCP/ IP(Transfer Control Protocol/Inter-network Protocol).
Fast-forward to 2023, the number of internet users has risen to 5.3 billion, which is 65.7% of the global population. But, the Internet is more than just a medium of communication, it’s continuously becoming a greater part of our lives thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Wondering what’s that? Don’t worry! In today’s blog, we’ll delve deep into the future of the Internet of Things, and how it contributes to the internet revolution.
What is the Internet of Things?
You’re probably wondering what the Internet of Things is and how I feel its existence around me. Right?
Well, look around you. Every digital device that you’re using is part of the Internet of Things. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Yes, you heard it right.
Your smartphones and smart TVs are the best examples of it. So, how do these devices blend into the Internet of Things, and how does the network work?
The Internet of Things is a robust network that connects to the Internet and transfers data such as real-time location and customer tastes and preferences.
For example, your smartphone and smart TVs are continuously connected to the internet, transferring data, and helping companies target you with customized ads tailored to your interest.
Between 2023- 2030, the number of devices connected to the IOT(Internet of Things) is expected to rise from 15.14 to 29.42 billion.
So, we can expect this ecosystem to continuously multiply and become the next big thing of the future.
Smartphones and TVs are just a few devices. But, the ocean is big and there’s more than what meets the eye.
Now, let’s look at some more Internet of Things opportunities and explore their features in detail. We’ll also look at how these devices are improving our quality of life. So stay tuned and keep reading.
Different IoT devices and their Use In Everyday Life
IoT devices are everywhere, contributing to more versatile and automated home and working environments. Let’s explore some of these devices, and learn how they’re improving the quality of life.
1. Smart homes- integrating smartness into your daily lifestyle
Ok. We know that the tile might seem a bit startling. Nevertheless, let’s make one thing clear. A smart home isn’t an entirely new house with a virtual Jarvis-like interface. Nope, it’s not.
In fact, smart homes are a concept that includes several smart devices that integrate into your lifestyle to provide a more seamless and digitally equipped experience.
For example, if your home’s fans and electrical appliances can be turned off through your smartphone, then congratulations. You’re living in a smart home.
Google has its own Smart Home app, known as “Google Home.” The app allows you to operate your entire home from the comfort of your cell phone. Amazing, isn’t it? Now, just sit back and enjoy while Google Home does all the work for you, whether it’s turning on the fan, looking at footage from your CCTV camera, or lowering the thermostat.
So, you can save energy by quickly turning off unwanted appliances with just a ping. But that’s not all. Google home also helps you keep track of events that occurred during moments that you were away from your home.
As a result, you don’t miss a beat and have a more hands-on approach about the events that occurred while you were away. Thus, you know what things you need to address.
Furthermore, Google Home also provides you with an unprecedented cooking experience by suggesting you recipes, and providing step-by-step instructions to complete the recipe. Also, if you want to plan your routine and be reminded about daily tasks systematically, then Google Home also helps you with that. Thus, Google Home helps you plan out your day with agility, keeping you on-point with the routine things and priority tasks. Moreover, if you’re looking to plan for investments then Google Home also helps with that. The app also provides you with real-time stock prices to help you make quick financial decisions. Thus now, you don’t need to stick to your laptop 24/7 to make a decision.
Hence, Google Home is a great experience to digitize your daily life.
2. Smartphones- bring the smart experience to the palm of your hand
Smartphones are perhaps where the “IoT Revolution” began. Smartphones/ Android phones were perhaps the first instances where people jumped into the world of IoT. In a crux, a smartphone is perhaps the gateway to enter the world of IoTs.
Without a smartphone it’s impossible to access your smart home or other IoT devices. But that’s not all. Smartphones also bring the PC experience to the palm of your hand. Now, you can use apps like Microsoft Office, Powerpoint, and Google Drive to take a look at, and edit your documents.
Moreover smartphones have a great processing power, helping process multiple applications at the same time. Furthermore, the portable experience also helps you watch videos on Youtube from the comfort of your couch in varying resolutions, depending on your choice.
But that’s just where the party starts. Smartphones also offer you a variety of apps to choose from. For example, you can use ride hailing services, or download your favourite restaurant apps to order from.
So, book rides and order food from the comfort of your couch. But that’s not all. You can also play exciting games such as Solitaire, Temple Run, and other notable games. Also, if you want to mimic the experience of portable gaming consoles on your phone, you can download various emulators, such as the GBA emulator for the Gameboy, and the PPSSP emulator for the Playstation Portable.
So, with a smartphone, you can bring your world into a portable experience.
3. Smart TV’s- more than just your conventional TV
When it came to classic televisions, all we thought about was watching Analog channels, and connecting a DVD player to watch a movie. A minor twist was seen in the 2000’s when TVs came with the ability to plug in a USB. Thus, you were able download your favourite movie and just plug and watch.
But, fast forward to 2023, there’s no need for a DVD player or a USB. Say welcome to Smart TV’s. Now, you can watch favourite movies by connecting the internet. Watch your desired videos on Youtube or get a Netflix subscription and watch the hottest season and major hits. All in high definition.
Thanks to modern televisions supporting 4K and 8K technology you can have a home cinema experience from the comfort of your couch.
But that’s not all. You can also integrate your Smart TV with your “Google Home”
As a result, you can also watch movies and adjust the ambience to your liking. So, Smart TV’s provide you a complete home theater experience and are more than just TVs.
4. Smart vacuum cleaners
Remember your traditional vacuum cleaners? Every weekend you barged into your store room and pulled out that heavy vacuum cleaner, carrying it around and plugging it into each room. But fast forward to 2023, this isn’t the case.
Say hello to smart vacuum cleaners. These ice-hockey tablet-like devices only need to scan your home’s layout once. Next, you only need to charge them. Once activated, as soon as they detect any waste, they’ll clean them on the spot. No need to carry a vacuum all around. Just sit back and let your smart vacuum cleaner do the work.
Hence, IoT devices have greatly revolutionized the way we function using the internet, making it an integral part of our life.
Read More About Vulnerability of IoT devices
The Takeaway
The Internet of Things is the new norm and has revolutionized the way we view internet. Now, the internet is no longer just about gaining information. Rather it’s an integral part of our lives.
Developments like Google Home, the advent of Smart TVs, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones provide users with an unprecedented experiences, improving the quality of life, as well as user experiences.
