How IoT Is Revolutionising Consumers' Daily Lives

by Startacus Admin

Nassia Skoulikariti, Director of IoT Programmes, Mobile Ecosystem Forum shares some insights on how IoT is having a significant impact on all our lives.

Sooner or later, most (if not all) businesses are going to bump up against the Internet of Things (IoT). Even if you haven’t come across the term before you will have had some experience of IoT already.

Anything with an IP address can be considered part of this networked ecosystem whether it is a phone, a computer or even a refrigerator. Enabling physical objects to collect and exchange data turns them from passive objects to intelligent and connected ones, capable of communicating with each other.

With IoT, physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items are embedded with electronics, software, and sensors and interconnected, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. The possibilities are immense, from smart homes that learn our preferences and adjust accordingly, to cities that use IoT to monitor traffic and improve safety. IoT can connect us and improve our lives in many ways.

Making our homes smarter

Voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri can make life easier by controlling lights and TVs, smart thermostats can adjust temperature to our preferred settings without us lifting a finger, and thanks to a smart oven or an automated crockpot, meals can be ready for our return home from work.

But smart home devices aren’t just providing butler duties, they can help us to reduce our energy consumption and save money on our utility bills. Devices can prompt us to be more conscious of our energy usage and do our part to tackle the climate emergency.

IoT-enabled security systems monitor our homes and property worldwide, making our lives safer and more secure. We can receive real-time alerts and notifications when something unusual happens, giving us peace of mind and allowing us to take action quickly.

Making healthcare more accessible

The healthcare industry is one of the most promising markets for IoT.

IoT-enabled devices are breaking down traditional barriers, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients' health remotely. Patients no longer have to be confined to a hospital bed to receive care but can live comfortably at home.

IoT-enabled devices can monitor vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure and send this data to healthcare professionals in real-time, allowing for early detection of health problems and timely interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Wearable fitness trackers have been around for a while. These nifty gadgets monitor heart rate, activity level, and sleep patterns, providing real-time feedback to help us make informed lifestyle decisions. These days most of us have our own personal health coach on our wrist or in our pocket encouraging us to take a more proactive approach to our health rather than waiting for problems to develop.

Optimising transportation

IoT can make our daily commute a whole lot smoother. The transportation industry is embracing IoT to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion. With IoT-enabled traffic management systems, real-time data on traffic flows, road conditions, and even weather patterns can be collected. This allows traffic signals and routes to be adjusted accordingly.

Real-time alerts about accidents and traffic jams allow drivers to adjust their routes to avoid delays and make our roads safer. And there are the environmental benefits of reducing travel times and minimising pollution.

IoT is also helping us keep our cars in good shape by monitoring vehicle performance data like engine temperature and tyre pressure.

Being aware of security is important

Although IoT devices can be exciting and convenient, we need to be aware of the potential risks associated with their increased adoption and data sharing. As we become more connected through IoT, there's more personal information being stored and transmitted through smart networks. Cybersecurity measures have never been more crucial.

IoT device manufacturers and service providers are continually working to improve security, but we, as consumers, must take an active role in protecting our information too.

Here are some tips to help keep your data secure.

Passwords. Many IoT devices come with default passwords that are easy to hack – think "password123." It's crucial to change them to something unique and complex. Be smart and create strong passwords.

Updates. It is important to keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and software updates. These updates often contain critical security patches to ensure that your devices are secure and safe to use.

Data collection. IoT devices collect vast amounts of data, including personal information that can be sensitive and used to identify you. Before you connect your device, read the privacy policy carefully and understand what data is being collected and how it's being used. Opt-out of data sharing and use reputable companies with a strong privacy policy if possible.

Summary

Our world is becoming increasingly connected and interactive; technology is transforming how we live, work, and play. IoT is making a significant difference in our daily lives. It's helping us to save time, be more environmentally friendly, and improve our health and well-being. And with continued innovation in this space, we can expect to see a world where everything is seamlessly connected. Humans and machines will work together to create a more efficient and sustainable future. Even if your business is not “techy”, you should keep an eye open for how IoT could impact your business in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nassia Skoulikariti is Director of IoT Programmes at the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions.

 

 

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• #iot
• #wearables
• #data
• #healthcare
• #smart home

Published on: 14th August 2023