Did you wake up with ‘Alexa’ blaring out your alarm? Or maybe your day started with a ‘Hey Siri, what’s my schedule today?’ Or, you’ve finally reached your desired step count on your fitness band? Like it or not, these smart simple devices have slowly crept into our lives. In addition to easing our work, they are convenient, comfortable, and bring value. So much so, that even the technologically challenged are getting inclined toward them. 

To say it simply, IoT makes our lives easier and better. From smart watches to home hubs, these ‘things’ have taken over by a storm, and they are likely to stay. Technology has branched deep in our lives. This has significantly increased the importance of IoT in daily life. Their penetration in our everyday rise is just increasing. With a global market that hit more than $500 billion in 2021 alone, these are set to stay.  

What is IoT?

Now let’s nosedive into what exactly is IoT. IoT or the Internet of Things are those everyday devices that are connected to the Internet. And we can receive data and control these :things: our devices from our smartphones or laptops etc. The importance of the internet of things is unfathomable. The IoT platforms is a distributed system that uses a combination of wireless technologies to collect, store, and analyze data from multiple sources. Thus, becoming the backbone of many modern applications, including smart cities, smart homes, industrial automation, and health care.

Where Do We Find IoT?

You will be surprised when we tell you, you find the Internet of things, almost, everywhere. You wouldn’t think you need a solution and you would just magically get one! A solution you didn’t even think you needed. Doubtful? Here you go!

1. Healthcare Industry

1. Smart Toothbrush: Smart toothbrush introduced by Philips Sonicare is synchronized to your smartphone- both android and iOS. Additionally, the sensors on the handle tell you your way of brushing. Isn’t that amazing?
   
2. CGM Devices: CGM is a great boon for diabetics as it helps in detecting blood glucose levels.
   

2. Fitness Industry

1. Fit Bands: Fitness freak? Smart bands are the new smartwatch. They help in monitoring step count, calories, sleep patterns, and much more. Thus, paving the way for a better and healthier lifestyle.

3. Pet Finder

1. Your four-legged friends might want to run about having the time of their lives. But, what if they get lost? IoT-linked devices help reduce manpower, in case there is an unfortunate incident.
   

4. Baby Monitors

1. It is a boon for new parents, especially working ones. In addition to he;p keep an eye on your infant, some don’t even need Wi-Fi. You can be in a different room and still keep a check on your child.
   

5. Smart Gardening

1. Lawnmowers: Robotic lawn mowers help level up your lawn without any manpower. These independent robots sometimes even have rain sensors. Firstly, no physical effort, and secondly, a well-maintained lawn. What more do we need, right?

An Essential Commodity

Above mentioned are just some of the areas where IoT is slowly establishing its dominance. Profoundly showing us the importance of IoT and how easy they make our lives. It is not the buzz anymore, it is a very real and very powerful addition to our daily lives. With its expanding foothold in business and industry, we find even logistics simpler with the internet of things.  In addition to saving costs, it also improves safety measures and quality. Now that’s a win-win from all ends. 

A Boon or a Bane?

Every coin has two sides, and so does the internet of things. While the internet of things has positively impacted our lives, we cannot overlook the negatives of IoT. From date mishandling to an alternate impact on our lives, IoT definitely has two sides to it.  Let us have a look at the internet of things pros and cons:

Advantages of IoT:

1. From Alexa to Siri, smart devices help in leading a smarter life. IoT has improved our lifestyle, giving us minute data details that help us improve our everyday lives.
   
2. Automation of activities saves time, and that helps us in focusing on a variety of other things.
   
3. You may be far, but your data is not. Information can be easily accessed with these devices regardless of where you are.
   
4. IoT largely works for personal use also. Smartwatches are a perfect example. Create a plan and lead a better life. Simple, right?
   
5. Linked IoT devices perform tasks without any physical intervention. So basically, no manpower is needed for certain activities. You can rest at home, and your device will do your work.

Disadvantages of IoT:

1. Your biggest contribution to your device will be your data. Which can be grossly misused. Hackers often take advantage of this, hacking into devices, and misusing our information.
   
2. Any device can have a technical error, which makes them prone to failure. Though it is less, the probability is still there.
   
3. Most devices rely on the internet, the absence of which makes them incapable of functioning.
   
4. As we grow smarter, sadly, sometimes it also makes us lazier. With IoT doing most of your work, physical movement is restricted, making us
   unintelligent.
   
5. Our basic working crew, like security guards, dry cleaners, maids, etc, risk at losing their jobs because of this advanced technology.
   
6. With ease comes expense. IoT might make your life way easier, but it is expensive. A large population cannot afford these devices due to their price tag.

Conclusion:

We now have access to appliances we didn’t know we needed. From electric costs to labor costs, we are saving in a lot of areas. Delivery services are improved and we generate less waste, ensuring a better user experience. You strengthen the economy with this, growing and branching your business with it. Though it is expensive, it is making lives a lot better. They ensure security (from smart Locks and Smart Security Systems) and convenience (Smart assistants like Alexa and Siri). In addition to that, they make our homes and lives better with Fitness trackers and Smart Home Hubs.