How The Internet Of Things Is Revolutionising Our Daily Lives

How The Internet Of Things Is Revolutionising Our Daily Lives. Hello everyone, I hope you are well. In today’s post, I will be sharing a guest post from Nassia Skoulikariti, Director of IoT Programmes at the Mobile Ecosystem Forum. Nassia will explore three practical ways the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising our daily lives. IoT isn’t science fiction. It is here now and significantly impacts our lives, paving the way for a more connected and efficient world.

How The Internet Of Things Is Revolutionising Our Daily Lives

If you’re like many people, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Internet of Things” is a futuristic sci-fi novel. But the Internet of Things (IoT) isn’t just for science fiction writers. It is here now, and it significantly impacts daily life. In recent years, the Internet of Things has rapidly transformed the average consumer’s daily life, paving the way for a more connected and efficient world.

I am fascinated by the impact of IoT on our daily lives. Imagine giving your loved one the gift of freedom and independence while still ensuring their safety and well-being. That’s what drove me to embark on my journey with IoT a decade ago.

My late father’s frail memory had become a cause for concern for my family and me. We were constantly worried about his whereabouts and whether he was safe. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of IoT and how it could help us solve this and many other problems. That experience sparked my passion for IoT services and their potential to improve people’s lives.

GPS Device Connection

Using a connected IoT GPS device, we could track my father’s movements and get alerts if he went outside a designated area. We used a small GPS tracker my father could wear on his wrist like a watch. It was unobtrusive and didn’t interfere with his daily activities, which was essential to him.

With the GPS tracker, we could set up a designated area for my father’s movements. If he left that area, we would immediately receive an alert on our smartphones. Knowing that we could always find him if he got lost or disoriented gave us peace of mind.

This experience solidified my belief in the power of IoT and how it can improve people’s lives. It’s not just about convenience or entertainment. It is about real-world solutions that make a difference. And the best part is that these solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or income level.

Although the concept of IoT has been around for decades, it’s only in recent years that we’ve started seeing it in our daily lives. Let’s dive a bit deeper and explore exactly how.

Making Our Homes Smarter

Smart home devices can help us reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. It can prompt us to be more conscious of our energy usage and do our part to protect the planet.

IoT-enabled security systems monitor our homes and property worldwide, making our lives safer and more secure. We can receive real-time alerts and notifications when something unusual happens, giving us peace of mind and allowing us to take action quickly.

Gone are the days of fumbling for the light switch; with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google, all we have to do is bark a command and voila! No more stubbed toes or tripping over the cat in the dark.

Thanks to an intelligent oven or an automated crockpot, our dinner can be ready to be served when we enter our homes from work.

And let’s not forget about the convenience of smart thermostats, which adjust the temperature to our preferred settings without us lifting a finger.

Making Healthcare More Accessible

The healthcare industry is one of the most promising markets for IoT.

IoT-enabled devices are breaking down traditional barriers, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ health remotely. Patients no longer have to be confined to a hospital bed to receive care but can live comfortably at home while receiving top-notch medical attention.

IoT-enabled devices can monitor vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure and send this data to healthcare professionals in real time, allowing for early detection of health problems and timely interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

These days most of us have our health coach on our wrists or in our pockets, encouraging us to take a more proactive approach to our health rather than waiting for problems to develop.

Optimising Transportation

IoT can make our daily commute a whole lot smoother. The transportation industry embraces IoT to optimise traffic flow and reduce the dreaded congestion that makes us want to pull our hair out. With IoT-enabled traffic management systems, real-time data on traffic flows, road conditions, and weather patterns can be collected. This allows traffic signals and routes to be adjusted accordingly.

Plus, with real-time alerts about accidents and traffic jams, drivers can adjust their routes to avoid delays and make our roads safer. And let’s not forget about the environmental benefits of reducing travel times and minimising pollution.

IoT is also helping us keep our cars in top shape by monitoring vehicle performance data like engine temperature and tyre pressure. And if you’re a speed demon, beware because IoT also records driver behaviour. Buckle up, my friends and enjoy the ride because IoT is taking us places!

With Great Technology Comes Greater Responsibility

If you are an IoT enthusiast who can’t get enough of the latest gadgets, before you go all “Black Mirror” on us, I would be remiss not to share some practical tips to ensure your IoT devices work safely and effectively.

Although IoT devices can be exciting and convenient, we must know the potential risks associated with increased adoption and data sharing. As we become more connected through IoT, more personal information is stored and transmitted through intelligent networks. Cybersecurity measures have never been more crucial.

IoT device manufacturers and service providers are continually working to improve security, but we, as consumers, must also take an active role in protecting our information.

Here Are Some Tips To Help Keep Your Data Secure

Passwords

First, let’s talk about passwords. Many IoT devices come with default passwords that are easy to hack – think “password123.” It’s crucial to change them into something unique and complex. Don’t be that person who wonders why their device got hacked. Be smart and create strong passwords.

Updated Device

Next, keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and software updates. These updates often contain critical security patches to ensure your devices are secure and safe.

Data Connection

Lastly, let’s talk about data collection. IoT devices collect vast amounts of data, including personal information that can be sensitive and used to identify you. Before you connect your device, please read the privacy policy carefully and understand what data is being collected and how it’s used. Opt out of data sharing and use reputable companies with a firm privacy policy if possible.

Remember, the power of IoT is incredible, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant and keep our information safe.

Conclusion

Our world is becoming increasingly connected and interactive; technology transforms how we live, work, and play. IoT is making a significant difference in our daily lives. It’s helping us to save time, be more environmentally friendly, and improve our health and well-being. And with continued innovation in this space, we can expect to see a world where everything is seamlessly connected. Humans and machines will work together to create a more efficient and sustainable future.

AI, through AI chatbots like Chat GPD, is transforming how we consume and commoditise data. Power will no longer solely rely on knowledge but on the wisdom gained through experience. And at the core of all this is IoT, which is driving innovation and changing the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. IoT is the future now.

So, dear reader, welcome to the future, a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into our lives. As the famous sci-fi movie line goes, “The future is here… it’s just not evenly distributed yet.” But with IoT, that future is now accessible to all. Stay connected, and may the IoT force be with you!

I hope you enjoyed that.

Talk soon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nassia Skoulikariti is the Director of IoT Programmes at the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members worldwide. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions.

Web: https://mobileecosystemforum.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mef

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