Yes I am sure there are lots of people who can correctly identify what the IoT acronym is – Internet of Things. The irony is that only now we believe all electronic gadgets are connectable.
Years ago without WiFi or Bluetooth many electronic gadgets still talked to each other. Granted not as much as they do now or in the simplistic way we can connect systems/solutions together.
We are now surrounded by IoT devices measuring, evaluating, sensing and controlling specific needs of our environment. Ten years ago this was not really possible, 15 years ago it was a wish for many product managers!
The IoT product development lifecycle is moving at such a rapid pace the age of ideas is coming to fruition! It is an almost perfect collision of cheap hardware development, scalable capability, flexible software solutions and of course great ideas often crowdfunded by passionate people. If there is enough public and industry demand the solution is born through need.
You could look at it as the Internet of You – or IoY.
The IoT environment landscape really is changing every 12 to 18 months with new and improved smart sensors and controllers. This leads to opportunity but it can also mean bust for some start-ups caught up in this technology boom.
What does the rapid rate of technology development mean to you? What you purchase today may be superseded in a month but potentially not in a bad way. Existing product upgrade paths are usually required to align the manufacturer’s product/service portfolio so unless they discontinue the product line you should have a growth path.
I think the high rate of development should be seen as a positive for the consumer. If you really need a smart habitat capability now then go ahead and buy it (especially if it fits with your overall plan). If you are looking for a capability to be installed and used 6+ months away I would hold off on purchasing right now. In this industry you never know what new product may be available that make your solution easier to install, more integrated and simpler to operate.
It may be IoT or IoY in reality, all that I want is for you to enjoy your smart habitat.
Stay safe. Be smart!
