What is the Internet of Things?
The ‘internet of things’ refers to electronic devices connecting to each other using the internet. It’s a way to collect information and improve effi ciency. Take as an example, a Fitbit or other fi tness-tracking device. These give you an indication of how many steps you’ve walked or ran in a day, your heart rate, calories burned and so on. You can also synch one to an app on your phone, or to an online account. Then you can check your progress over a week, how you compare to other people you’re sharing information with, how many calories you’ve burnt off and so on. If you also sync your account up with ‘smart’ scales, it’ll keep track of your weight and BMI, to give you a fuller picture of your health in one place.
Smart homes Smart home devices are becoming increasingly common. They let you control your heating, hot water, lights and other technology while you’re out of the house. Let’s say you’re running late from work. You realise you’re going to miss your favourite TV programme, so you use your phone to set it to record. You also postpone the heating coming on, and turn a light on so it looks like someone is home. At least you know your security cameras will send an alert to your phone if they detect any movement.
On the way home, you nip to the supermarket, but can’t remember whether you need milk. A couple
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of clicks and your smart fridge has sent you a photo of its contents. After buying the milk, you turn your heating on, and set your coff ee machine to have a brew ready for when you get in.
Smart health The internet of things isn’t just about making our lives a bit easier. Trials are underway to see how it could help people with pre-existing medical conditions. Medical devices that patients use at home can collect data to give healthcare providers a better picture of a patient’s day-to-day health. Doctors can even be sent an alert if measurements go above or below a safe level.
Smart cities By using smart technology, and acting on data, cities could become more effi cient. From bins that send an alert when they need emptying, to traffi c lights that help reduce congestion, the internet of things is set to bring about a lot of changes. It may seem like sci- fi , but it might not be that long until you’re travelling in a driver-less vehicle, which knows exactly where there’s an available parking space, and any road closures to avoid on the way to your destination.
The future is looking smart! To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
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