Overall, the IoT or “Internet of Things” refers to the billions and billions of electronic devices all interconnected to the internet and each other. All of which are constantly sharing, reporting, and tracking data simultaneously as well as serving their purpose. In lamest terms, if it can connect to the internet, its providing all types of different functionalities. Oddly enough, this idea of devices was first thought of to be reserved for things like smart phones and laptops, but as the world evolves and technology updates, we now see an unbelievable spike in products that now have these added capabilities. Some of which being household appliances and even homes themselves!

Due to the Internet of Things, we now see an abundance of “smart homes” or houses that are fully connected to a user. Everything form appliances, to lighting, to the thermostat can be controlled remotely through a smart phone, making everyday living that much more convenient and comfortable. Not to mention, we could also see a rise in smart homes detecting certain dangers such as gas leaks, pipes freezing’s, and fires. However, where there are technological advancements, there are always the threat of hackers, and with that being said, the fear that someone’s homes’ data could be compromised if not properly protected. Also, the pricing of these homes will most likely be a lot more than that of a regular home.

In comparison, we face the same amount of threats as we do on our smart phones from hackers if not more so than smart appliances and houses where to not want a connected house on that basis seems silly. While the pricing may seem increased now, the idea that these houses will be the norm will hopefully ease the price hop as more competitors and technology enters the market. Similarly, the adoption between chip creators and appliance manufacturers keeps growing and while an old home might not be able to update, the appliances within itself surely can and “Alexa” herself can make a lot of changes as well.

This growth and development, while silly to believe a fridge being able to reorder food, further shows how we as a species have been developing, and keep making strides to make life easier with the adaption of the IoT.

Sources:

Intelligence, Insider. “How IOT Devices & Smart Home Automation Is Entering Our Homes in 2020.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 6 Jan. 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/iot-smart-home-automation.