We live in a programmable world where products speak to one another and perform tasks on a whim through sensors. We are attached to technology, and it is continuously being updated to fit our needs. From wearable technology to implantable technology, products that sync information to and from smartphones, tablets, computers, wearables, and more, all play a part in the Internet of Things (IoT) movement.
Wearing Your Technology on Your Sleeve
Staying connected through the IoT is increasing in popularity, and will continue to flourish. By 2020, the IoT is estimated to reach up to 30 billion connected products, and will hold more than 1.9 trillion dollars
in economic value.
Technology of every form helps consumers in more than one way. Current technologies that are part of the IoT include:
- Wearables such as the activity tracker FitBit, and Cuff--an alert system disguised as stylish jewelry
- Household products such as the Nest Learning Thermostat and the smart garden system Edyn
Loopholes
As we have come to expect over the years, with many great inventions come obstacles and challenges. One such challenge of the IoT movement is the pesky security loopholes that can compromise services. The IoT requires consumers to allow a certain degree of transparency with their personal information. With consumer data floating freely around, the possibilities of devices and information being breached are high.
There have recently been incidences of wireless IP cameras, used as baby monitors, being breached. These monitors, which enable parents to monitor and speak to their children when away, are able to be hacked--opening the door for indecent behavior. Earlier last month, one Foscam baby monitor was reported having eerie music coming from it. The second instance involved a couple's 3-year-old son who, for months, would say the "telephone was telling him to stay in bed." The couple didn't understand what their son meant until one day when they overheard someone speaking on the other end, saying things like, "Wake up, little boy, Daddy's looking for you." Yikes!
For entrepreneurs and corporations, the opportunities to create and thrive in the IoT are limitless. So long as consideration and safeguards are taken to prevent security breaches, the possibilities advances in technology provides are helping to provide modern conveniences, efficiency, and hope.
