The Internet of Things & Big Data
What is the Internet of Things?
In a nutshell, the IoT is the concept of connecting any device (as long as it has an on/off switch) to the Internet and to other connected devices. The IoT is a giant network of connected things and people - all of which collect and share data about the way they are used and about the environment around them.
That includes an extraordinary number of objects of all shapes and sizes ranging from smart microwaves to self-driving cars and even to wearable fitness devices.
So, how does it work?
Devices and objects with built-in sensors are connected to an IoT platform, which integrates date from the different devices and applies analytics to share the most valuable information with applications built to address specific needs.
These powerful IoT platforms can pinpoint exactly what information is useful and what can safely be ignored. This information can be used to detect patterns, make recommendations, and detect possible problems before they occur.
Major tech companies like Intel are also jumping onto the bandwagon by investing in IoT - leveraging on sensors that were deployed in blueberry farms. The data collected will enable them to see patterns such as route scheduling, the need for different suppliers etc These inputs will then help to assist the team in their decision-making process. How cool is that?!
As more smart devices enter the market, the concept of a smart home in Singapore is slowly becoming a reality. With the introduction of Google Home Mini, Xiaomi Mi Home and Samsung SmartThings, these smart home automation technologies offer multiple advantages over conventional homes.
The Visionaire, a 632-unit executive condominium in Sembawang, was marketed as launch in April as one of the first smart homes in Singapore. Its smart home package offers up to 10 smart devices from Samsung such as washing machines and air-conditioners that can be remotely controlled. It is reported that more than 70% of the buyers took up the smart home package. with the most popular device being related to safety and security.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) also has a smart home enabled initiative. The three local telcos - Singtel, StarHub and M1 have partnered with vendors such as Samsung, Silverline and Intraix to offer features such as utilities management, elderly monitoring and alert systems.
Needless to say, the IoT market will only continue to grow in time to come.
What do you guys think about smart homes or are you already living in one? Share with me your experience in the comment section down below, I would love to hear more about them!
I'll catch you guys next week, till then! x
Yet another informative read! As beneficial as the IOT is, I do believe that it is somewhat of a double-edged sword. So, like you were mentioning in the post about Smart-Homes, whether or not I like them to be "Smart" really depends on its extent. As technology develops, the capabilities of hackers and other similar groups of people, will have greater potential to access sensitive details. It's one thing to have the IOT connected to the lighting of my house, where people could hack it to just prank me. But it's an entirely different story if such ill-willed individuals were to have access to my security systems via the IOT. But of course, if backups are in place then I would be more certain that the IOT is fine. I guess which side of the fence you are on really depends on how you weigh the pros and cons.
ReplyDeleteThank you for you kind comments!
DeleteYes indeed, if one practices safe cyber security habits like keeping our devices up to date – that will definitely reduce the risk of us getting our personal data stolen. Installing firewalls and antivirus software helps to keep hackers at bay as well.
Ultimately, I would recommend a cost-benefit evaluation to be done first (for both businesses and homes alike) before a purchase decision is made!
Great share Grace!!! IoT and Big Data is definitely beneficial and effective in our life. But there are still those who are concern about hackers hacking in to our data. What are your thoughts on this and how would you suggest to mitigate this? (Consumers feeling concern)
ReplyDeleteHi Reyan! I’m glad you brought up the topic on hackers. We should all learn to practice safe internet habits be it buying smart devices from authentic sellers, to installing anti-virus software to prevent trojans and malware from stealing our personal data. I believe that as individuals we have a part to play in keeping our data safe as well, and not to be overly reliant on applications to do the ‘safekeeping’ for us. Here’s an article from straits times that talks about how we can prevent hackers from stealing our data: https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/observe-these-tips-for-smartphone-security-and-prevent-hackers-from-stealing-your-data
DeleteGreat post Grace,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a smart home and I think Singapore should look towards building more in the future. Imagine the possibilites of your own house switching on the air conditioner 30 mins before you reach home, by basing it off the location ping your phone sent back to your home router. Or your refrigerator ordering grocery essentials from Amazon Prime when it senses something is low.
No more last-minute dashes to the supermarket to replenish something important!
But who's to say HDB homes can't be somewhat smart as well? Digital door locks that unlock automactially either via NFC or Bluetooth technology can suffice too!
DeleteHi Eugene! Yes, technology is a wonderful thing and there is no doubt that we’re currently living in the age of technological advancements. It should come as no surprise that almost every aspect of our lives are now evidently becoming dependent on smart devices. All the advantages are there and we are reaping the benefits, but all too often we overlook the negative effects of technology dependency.
Of course it is nice to have things done with a swipe of your finger but I also feel that it is important to weigh your options first and decide if you really need an upgrade for your home appliances. But if it makes your daily chores a lil less boring, I’d say go for it!
Hi Grace, i believe majority of us agree that IoT becoming more advance nowadays, we all benefited from it one way or another. Living in a fast-paced society, all of us want to save time and be more productive. By having smart devices at home that can be controlled remotely or even read your behavioral patterns will bring value to consumers. Personally, i would like to live in a smart home in time to come and i must emphasize that i am fascinated by smart locks for homes. With smart locks we are able to leave your house without worrying about losing your house keys. I've gained some insights from your post and looking forward to your upcoming posts! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi Gabriel! It’s funny how I’ve brought up the idea of installing digital locks to my parents too! It’s such a hassle to constantly search your pockets/bag and fumble around for your keys. How convenient would it be if we could just simply unlock our front door with the swipe of a finger! It’ll be so cool as though we’re in an action film! I’m definitely getting one for my future home as well and there’s no doubt about it!
DeleteHey Grace,
ReplyDeleteI am using some IoT devices as well, mostly XiaoMi Products but what really amazed me was the robot vacuum that maps out my house, and cleans on a schedule, you can every zone out areas that you think they might get stuck to avoid disrupting the cleaning cycle. They now even have mop attachments too! YAY! To less housework.
Also a air purifier that is app-enabled, this allows me to control the airflow and check my room's air quality without having to leave my seat. It also has a sensor to detect air quality and once it reaches a certain threshold, it will increase its fan speed in relation to the air quality levels.
These improvements might seem minor but really it improves the quality of life around the house.
Do you use any of these IoT Devices?
Thank you for sharing with me your experience with IoT devices!
DeleteWow, the wonders that technology can do to our daily home appliances! Ah sadly, I have yet to use the ones that you've mentioned because I don't see the need (at the moment) and I don't wish to be overly reliant on smart devices. Lest if they fail on me one day, I'll be at my wit's end! What if they end up taking over my life? Or am I thinking too much?! Hahaha.
But I did come across something pretty cool recently which blew me away…it was a wireless portable charger which my classmate brought to school the other day. By simply placing his mobile phone on top of the charger, it begin to charge the phone without any other attachments! How cool is that? Typically, we would have to purchase a separate usb cable to go along with it. But my friend literally did it hands-free! And I was AMAZED. Ok maybe you’ve heard of it already so please pardon me. I’m not very up to date with these technological advancements.
Maybe I just might begin my quest with smart devices starting from this dope ass portable charger. Hmm, we’ll see...I’ll definitely keep you guys in the loop if I ever do!