custom software developers
An interconnected network of devices that communicate with one another, the Internet of Things (IoT) can be difficult to understand at first glance. Consumers may also have trouble recognizing how it even impacts them — when, in actuality, it greatly affects our everyday lives. Increasingly, businesses are turning to custom software developers to create “smart” devices, often based on existing technologies, to keep up with the times and grow their organizations.
Leveraging the IoT to develop smart devices can lead to an enormous net gain. In fact, in 2018, Bain & Company predicted that the IoT market would become a $530 billion industry by 2021, doubling the profit of 2017.
Via the IoT, users can operate connected devices, often using their mobile devices, tablets, and computers. It’s used in heating and cooling systems, washers and dryers, voice assistants such as Echo, fitness trackers, security systems, automobiles, and many other devices.
6 uses of the IoT in everyday life
How does the IoT affect people’s everyday lives? Here are six ways it’s changing the game.
1. Health monitors
Organizations in the healthcare sector have infinite opportunities to partner with nearshore development services and other custom software developers to leverage the IoT for health purposes.
Already, sleep trackers, including wristbands and rings, monitor heart rate to analyze people’s sleep patterns and provide information about the quality, stages, and length of sleep. Meanwhile, smart body analyzers measure EKG, oxygen levels, temperature, and other vitals, and scales can assess BMI.
Soon, doctors may be able to see whether patients are taking medication appropriately and accurately through smart prescription bottles, as well as stay informed about other potential health issues including blood pressure.
2. Fitness trackers
Wearable technology is one of the most recognizable uses of IoT. Not only can devices such as Fitbits measure users’ activity levels, but they can also track sleeping and heart rate, like health monitors. Increasingly, companies like Nike are partnering with custom software developers to improve and add additional features to these trackers, such as sensors detecting agility, fitness, and more.
3. Cars
The IoT has made it possible for driverless cars to exist. But there are more ideas on the horizon. For example, through the efforts of nearshore software development and other development teams, smart cars may alert mechanics about when you’re due for an oil change or tune-up. A smart vehicle could also inform the driver about the optimal route for driving to and from work based on traffic.
Our roads could become a lot safer, too. For instance, traffic lights could account for different conditions, and sensor-equipped roads might be able to interact with vehicles to prevent accidents.
4. Home hubs
Broadly speaking, a home hub connects devices powered by the IoT within the house. Custom software developers have made it possible for appliances and systems to be synced together and powered by the touch of a button on the user’s mobile device or even the sound of her voice. A light might go on according to a timer. Temperature sensors could activate heating systems or air conditioners.
The IoT can also help reduce energy consumption by adjusting devices to consumer habits. For example, appliances can be set to turn off when occupants are away and turn on based on when they usually come home.
5. Video monitors
Greater security is another important use of the IoT. Video doorbells allow people to communicate with visitors from their mobile devices, even when they’re not at home. People can also monitor the activities of their children and pets from afar through sensor-equipped cameras. These devices don’t just offer a visual — some also track babies’ breathing, for example.
6. Food and meals
Already, smart cookers enable people to “cook” through the push of a button on a smartphone. They can also adjust settings and monitor the temperature and other aspects of meal prep without the user even being near the appliance.
Soon, custom software developers may create solutions for other food-related needs. For example, refrigerators could send reminders about items that are running low or automatically add them to a grocery list app.
These are just some of the nearly infinite uses of the IoT. And organizations across a wide range of sectors will be partnering with nearshore software development teams or hiring in-house custom software developers to improve and create new possibilities for their products and services. The IoT enables devices to analyze weather, traffic, consumer behavior, efficiency, and many other factors and circumstances, ultimately powering solutions that greatly improve people’s everyday lives. Any business that wants to become or remain a serious player in its market must take note and consider how to leverage it.
