Quite simply, The Internet of Things (IoT) is all about connecting smart devices over the internet, allowing them to communicate with each other or automate applications or electronic sensors.
An example of the most common place that IoT technology is being used is in the home-heating and energy use sector, especially with the introduction of Smart Meters. These functions allow you to turn on heating remotely, turn the temperature down on a hot day and turn the heating off when no one is home. Some Smart Meters can tell if you are out with motion sensor cameras, or they can tell you when your smartphone (and therefore, you) have left the premises.
Smart Meters are being encouraged by the government as the easy, mobile design is very efficient, and therefore we use less energy. Internet of Things has many benefits, particularly with becoming more efficient and therefore saving money. IoT does have some drawbacks, with the biggest challenges being maintaining user's security and privacy.
Internet of Things is also available on a larger scale, with Smart Cities with connected traffic signals which monitor utility use, or smart bins that signal when they need to be emptied. It would also work for industry, with connected sensors for everything from tracking parts to monitoring crops and cattle.
IoT gives us a huge opportunity for virtual connections to take place. It will impact our lives in many aspects including in our homes, our places of work and our general lives.
