The Internet of Things
A long, long, long, time ago- if you wanted to know the time, you had to look out the window at the large clock in the middle of the town square. You could also wait for it to chime on the hour of course. Then someone figured out that s/he could simply make them a little smaller and carry them around in the pocket in a perpetuated state of awareness. Just imagine your heightened state of awareness and elevated status by walking around with some springs and coils amalgamated together in your pocket. Just like that the clock had evolved. From city clock to pocket watch. From pocket watch- to wrist watch- to the smart watch as you know it today. This is the idea behind the Internet of Things. Our devices and applications evolve over time, and with the emergence of the Internet, they will become smart, self-autonomous, and will serve to enhance interaction and efficiency.
Imagine a world where you are super connected to the Internet in every way-from the clothes you wear to the gadgets you use at home and at work. Quite simply, the Internet of Things (IOT) suggests that everything will someday be connected to the Internet and in some way. Imagine your dinner table and the chairs that you sit on being connected to the Internet. Imagine the walls, the mirror, your microwave, and stove constantly updating and sending information back and forth on the web.
Why on earth would all that be necessary? Think of what you can do with an Internet doorbell equipped with a camera that allows you to use your phone or other device to see and hear that person at your door regardless of whether you are home or not. Imagine your doorbell calling you through VOIP (basically through the Internet) to allow you to talk with this person as if you are there-Just leave the package at the door please. Imagine you sending a virtual key to your mother in law- who you forgot was coming over- so that she can get in. Or not… Imagine your refrigerator monitoring the food that you put in and telling you when the food is about to spoil. Imagine the refrigerator checking the local supermarkets to place orders on items that have gone bad or that you are running out of. Imagine your mirror posting selfies or showing you images of yourself over the past few days, weeks, or months so that you can track body changes over time. Imagine that mirror connecting to the Internet to show you images or video tutorials in its right corner of the hairstyle or make-up that you are trying to incorporate in your daily style.
So what does all this mean to you? It may sound weird to have your shoes and shoe laces connect to the Internet. However, it is important to think of the Internet as a growing evolving being. There was a point when phones could only make phone calls. Many were skeptical of the functionality, but later they could send messages as well. Like before, many people then questioned the practicality of Internet access on a relatively small device when there were computers at home, at school, at work, and basically everywhere. Today, they have become so much the norm that we arguably cannot do without them anymore. We are on the same trend with smart watches and the idea of wearable techs that affords us perpetual awareness of our world and each other. Your homes, vehicles, ATM machines, and even stoplights are now in sync with the Internet. We are getting there. As the Internet continues to grow and engulf everything in the universe, you may not have a choice but to watch as your beloved devices and possessions take on new functions and form. Your bed may gently rock you to sleep or vibrate when its time to wake. Your walls will talk to you. The floor will tell you your weight and may give you suggestions on food choices for the day along with exercise. If you find all of this surprising, let me let you in another little secret: they already are…
What do you think? Leave your comments below.