Internet of Things vs Things on the Internet: what is the Internet of Things?

What is the internet of things (IoT) ?

The internet of things, most commonly referred to as the IoT, is 2016's buzzword of choice.
IoT refers to an environment in which physical objects can communicate over the web. In which static devices, white goods, people and animals can send out and receive data over the web. Wherein each IoT device or object has a unique identifier, and can communicate- and be communicated to without human intervention.
 
Just sticking something with a web connection on to a person, animal or object doesn't make it IoT. It requires that 'thing' to be uniquely identified on the internet, and to be able to transfer data in and out without requiring human interaction.
 
Unless it is a uniquely identified device that can act independently of humans, it is just a thing connected to the internet.


 
 

Amazon Dash button

 

The Amazon Dash button is IoT, almost. In essence a button placed around the home connected to Wi-Fi. Pressing the Amazon Dash button will reorder items you need replacing and send the order confirmation to your phone. But the true IoT product will happen only when that button anticipates your needs and stocks your fridge according to its contents, your eating habits, and your recent occupancy.
 

 The display on the front of your fridge? Not IoT unless it allows you to control the temperature and contents of your fridge via an app.  That tablet you have embedded into the back of the car seat? Not IoT.
 
 

 
 The Microsoft Band is close to making the wearer an IoT device, but principally in its sleep tracking. Right now it takes into consideration your heart rate and movement, as well as your target level of sleep, in order to wake you at the optimal moment. So far so thing on the internet. It will be truly IoT when it is able to take into consideration all ambient and health considerations, as well as your calender, and ensure that you achieve optimum sleep levels.

Credit: Matt Egan- techworld