The Internet of Things is expected to grow significantly during 2015, with several exciting new IoT devices coming onto the market. These six IoT predictions for the year offer a glimpse of the technological developments that consumers can expect to see.
1. Interoperability.
One of the biggest problems with current-generation IoT devices is that many of them do not work with those made by other manufacturers. Even IoT devices from the same manufacturer do not always function properly together. Many industry experts predict that this annoying problem will begin to be solved in 2015, with the introduction of the first generation of IoT devices to offer true interoperability.
2. HomeKit Vs.
Thread Group.HomeKit, released in June 2014, is Apple's software platform for developers of IoT devices that are controlled via an iPhone or iPad. However, a group of seven companies known as Thread Group is planning to release a competing wireless networking protocol. Whereas HomeKit is a relatively closed platform, Thread Group's is expected to be more open. The two will be competing fiercely as each tries to establish its protocols as the de facto platform for IoT development.
3. Home Mesh Networks.
A mesh network connects multiple IoT devices and lets them communicate with each other. An example is an automated home system in which your phone sends a message to the lock in your front door to open it. In a home mesh network, the lock could then communicate with the heating system and signal it to turn on prior to your arrival. You could even add more IoT devices to the system to trigger actions such as pre-heating the oven in preparation for cooking dinner.
4. Biometric Authentication.
Traditionally, passwords have been used to secure home networks, but the availability of password-cracking tools prevents them from providing the desired level of protection. Biometric authentication offers a more secure and convenient option. Fingerprint readers, such as those on the new iPhones, are already becoming a popular method of authentication. Combining a password with biometrics in a two-step process would provide even greater security.
5. Eco-friendly Corporations.
The Internet of Things could help to reduce power consumption by automatically turning off electronic devices when they are not in use. This improved energy efficiency could lead to lower power bills for companies who invest in IoT technology, as well as reduced carbon emissions.
6. Drone Deliveries.
Amazon has already been experimenting with the idea of using drones to deliver packages. Although regulations could make this difficult in the United States and other developed countries, drones could provide useful delivery mechanisms for developing countries, where delivering medical supplies and other essentials quickly to remote communities is currently very difficult.
The Internet of Things could improve the lives of people around the world by increasing efficiency in many areas. In 2015, IoT devices are almost certain to become even more sophisticated and work together much better than they have.
Photo courtesy of cuteimage at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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