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IoT in Action: 8 Examples of the Internet of Things

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Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way we interact with technology. By connecting everyday devices to the internet, IoT enables smarter, more efficient systems that enhance our lives in countless ways. As I dug into the research for this post, I looked at some of the most practical examples out there, each highlighting just how impactful these smart devices can be in our daily lives. From homes to cars, and even the devices we wear, IoT is shaping the future of connectivity. In this article, we would explore eight common examples of IoT in action and how these technologies are revolutionizing various aspects of life.


1. Smart Home

 I. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats gives you full control over your heating and cooling systems. The Nest Thermostat is a good example of this. The thermostat can be controlled remotely via the Nest app. It can learn your preferences over time and optimize your energy usage

A smart thermostat on a wall


How it works 

Nest thermostats use sensors to detect environmental changes. It also has motion sensors and can detect when you are home or away. The thermostat then adjusts the temperature accordingly. 


Features and benefits 

  • By learning your schedule, it helps save energy. It can turn off the heater when you are away, and switch back on when you return. 

  •  You can customize and control it via the app. 

  • It easily integrates with Smart Home systems like Alexa, for voice commands.


II. Smart Doorbells

The Ring Video Doorbell is a wonderful example of a Smart Doorbell. It combines a doorbell with a security camera so you can see, hear and speak to visitors through your smartphone. 


How it works  

The doorbell connects to Wi-Fi and includes a camera, microphone, and motion sensors. When someone approaches your door and rings the bell, the motion sensors are activated and you receive an alert on your phone showing you what is happening at your front door. 


Features and  Benefits

  • You can communicate with visitors through your phone, whether you are at home or not. 

  • You are instantly alerted when the motion sensors are triggered. 

  • Photos and videos taken by the camera can be saved and viewed at a later time. 


III. Smart Refrigerators

The LG Smart Refrigerator helps manage food storage with internal cameras and digital sensors. 


How it works

Cameras inside the fridge capture images of the contents, which you can remotely see through the LG ThinQ app. Sensors within can help adjust the temperature as required. 

Scanners can check the freshness of food items. The fridge tracks what you have and can even suggest recipes based on its content. 


Features and Benefits

  • It is energy efficient. By noting the content of the fridge and their current temperature, the fridge adjusts automatically. 

  • You do not need to open the refrigerator to see what is in it. You can view it through the app, and some models have a screen on the door, where you 'knock' to view what is inside. 

  • You get alerts for expiration dates, make and share shopping lists, and some models can even order for items for you. 


2. Smart Vehicles

 I. Connected Cars

Cars like the Tesla Self-Driving Car use IoT to offer autonomous driving features. The car is equipped with sensors, cameras, and advanced AI to navigate, change lanes, and even park without human intervention.


How it works

The various cameras and sensors collect data from the vehicle's environment in real-time, and the onboard computer analyzes the data, using it to make autonomous driving decisions while keeping the passengers safe. 


Features and Benefits

  • You can tell the car where you want to go, and sit back, hands off the wheel. It's autonomous driving and enhanced road safety is top notch. 

  • The vehicle can suggest lane changes and alternate routes as it has access to real time traffic data. 

  • It is able to find its way through tight and complex environments, and can find a parking spot on its own. 


 II. In-Car Entertainment Systems

You can have fun while on the road and still drive safely. Apple CarPlay offers a seamless way to integrate your iPhone with your car infotainment system, allowing you to make and receive calls, read and send texts, and listen to your favourite music or podcast. 


How it works

By connecting your iPhone to your car’s display system, Apple CarPlay mirrors your phone's functions, giving you hands-free access to apps, calls, and navigation tools.


Features and Benefits

  • CarPlay can be controlled by voice commands, allowing for safer driving. 

  • You can access maps, messages and multimedia without taking your eyes off the road. 

  • CarPlay is compatible with various car models. 


 III. Remote Vehicle Diagnostics

An On board diagnostics service like Flexihub provides a solution for remote diagnostics, allowing mechanics and car owners to access vehicle data over the internet. Flexihub ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved before they become serious.


How it works 

Sensors in the vehicle transmit diagnostic data to a remote server, where it can be analyzed by mechanics or automated systems. If an issues is detected, alerts and suggestions are sent to you. 


Features and Benefits

  • Mechanical problems can be detected early.

  • Maintenance cost is reduced. 

  • You have remote access to your vehicle's performance data


3. Wearable Technology

 I. Smart Watches

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is a powerful IoT device that does more than just telling the time. It can track your health metrics, display notifications, and even make calls.


How it works

The smart watch connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, syncing data such as notifications, fitness metrics, and app alerts. Sensors on the watch monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity.


Features and Benefits

  • You can monitor your health and workout routines on the go. 

  • You can easily keep track of notifications and manage calls, directly from your wrist. 

  • The watch face and look can be changed according to your preference. 

  • It is not limited to a Samsung Phone. Most mobile devices with the latest OS are compatible with the Samsung Galaxy smart watch. 

 II. Smart Glasses

Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses blend fashion with functionality, allowing you to take photos, listen to music, and interact with voice assistants without pulling out your phone.


How it works  

The glasses integrate cameras, microphones, and speakers within the frame, connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can take hands-free photos, make calls, and use voice commands.


Features and Benefits

  • What I love most about Meta Ray-ban glasses is its stylish and discreet smart features. 

  • If you have real eye defects like myopia, you can get prescription Ray-ban glasses and still enjoy its smart features. 

  • You can easily ask metaAI about your environment via voice command. "Hey meta tell me about the model of this truck"


Conclusion 

IoT is already embedded in our daily lives. From making our homes smarter to enhancing vehicle safety and personal fitness, IoT is everywhere, revolutionizing how we live and interact with technology. As these examples show, the future of IoT holds even more promise, and we are only just beginning to see its full potential. 


If you have encountered any interesting IoT devices or applications, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.


Till my next post, 

Stay Enlaitened!


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