The Internet of Things as we call it is the connection and exchange of data between interconnected objects around the globe. For example, the Apple Watch is a concrete illustration of the Internet of Things: this connected watch enables text messaging, calls and much more. Another notable example is a company called Nest Lab. This company provides Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, smoke detectors, security cameras and more. Founded by Tony Fadell – senior vice president of iPod/iPhone at Apple- in 2010, Nest Lab is now in a collaboration with Google Home. Therefore, I logically could not find a more interesting article than Tony Fadell’s post on the importance of Internet in our society in the future. Some may say that this article is outdated having been published in 2015 but the content applies itself to each one of us even more as of today.
The first thing that Tony Fadell explains is the (future) global aspect of Internet. Internet is going to reach everyone, but also everything. As I stated before, simple objects of our everyday life like a watch are being interconnected between each other and their functions are exploding. Thus, as Tony Fadell brilliantly says, “The Internet is becoming increasingly democratized”. What is also remarkable about this blog post is how Fadell gives credibility to his arguments with various (trustworthy) sources like Gartner Inc.
The second and probably the most interesting subject that Fadell addresses is how Internet will change our way our life by transiting “from big data to useful information”. Still today, Internet is basically a concentration of information: we must therefore sort and select to find out what we are looking for. For example, when having an unusual illness each one of us have searched up the symptoms on Google in the hope of finding an explanation and treatments. Of course, if you read online that you have cancer when you only have a sore throat, you have the rationale to exclude that possibility. What Tony Fadell is saying is that in the future, the Internet of Things will analyze your daily lifestyle to provide an explanation to your behavior. It is the difference between proactiveness and reactiveness. Following my precedent example concerning unusual illnesses, your watch would note that you have difficulties breathing while detectors would note your coughing. Therefore, a notification would pop up on your phone explaining that you may have a viral pharyngitis. Thus, we do not reach for information: information comes to us.
To conclude, I have cited this article on the Internet of Things, as it is in my opinion a fascinating subject matter and Fadell brilliantly explains what is at stake concerning this abstract but exciting concept.
Word count:447
