If you’re only as smart as your household appliances, well, that’s quite a compliment. That’s because, with today’s ubiquity of wireless Internet, your computer isn’t the only “smart” object in your home — or your life.
From phones to thermostats to security systems and appliances, the world is beginning to witness the “Internet of Things,” a phrase — and idea — that is sure to gain attention and momentum in coming years.
The Internet of Things refers to the network of everyday objects connected through wireless Internet. Essentially, any object with an on/off switch could be — and likely will be — connected to the Internet or another machine.
This connectivity would be accomplished through built-in sensors that can automatically gather and transmit data to the cloud. The cloud is integral to the realization of the Internet of Things, according to a recent Wired article.
“Cloud-based applications are the key to using leveraged data,” the article states. “The Internet of Things doesn’t function without cloud-based applications to interpret and transmit the data coming from all these sensors. The cloud is what enables the apps to go to work for you anytime, anywhere.”
The groundwork
While the realization of the Internet of Things may be years away, it’s impossible to look around and not see the groundwork that will enable this sort of mass connectivity. Today, broadband Internet is widely available, and the costs associated with it continue to fall. People more than ever are starting to depend on the concept of constant connectivity.
According to Pew Research, nearly two-thirds of Americans have a smartphone, with 19 percent of those people relying on their phones for access to online services and information.
Connecting the dots (and the machines)
For most people, carrying a smartphone or wearing a smart watch might seem like total connectivity. But those devices and wearables are just the tip of the iceberg that is the Internet of Things. According to Forbes, the Internet of Things will encompass, well,everything.
“This includes everything from cell phones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of,” one recent article states. “This also applies to components of machines; for example, a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig.”
The Internet of Things in action
For early adopters of certain sensor-based objects, this concept will come as no surprise. Recently, for example, online mega-giant Amazon.com released its Dash Button, a small device that adheres to washers, dryers, cupboards or furniture and allows you to order more household items with the push of a button.
For example, if you’re low on laundry detergent, you can order more by pushing the button located conveniently on your washing machine — so there’s no need to remember to update your shopping list later.
In short, the Internet of Things is the network of everyday objects that are Internet capable. These days we are moving more and more toward a connected world where even everyday items have Internet capabilities to enhance features.
Many businesses are already adopting the concept of a connected household. Frontier, for example, is currently offering two products that will leverage the company’s broadband Internet offerings: the Nest Learning Thermostat™, which enables you to control your home’s temperature through your smartphone, tablet or computer, and the Nest Cam, a live streaming video system that allows you to monitor activity at your house or office from anywhere.
“These Internet-connected products enable our customers to utilize broadband Internet to control and keep tabs on their home from any location,” said Ken Baldwin, general manager at Frontier. “Our business has already connected people to the Internet. Now we’re connecting people to their homes through the Internet.”
As the Internet of Things gains momentum, Americans will continue to see everyday objects in a new light; the world is definitely getting a little bit “smarter.”
