IoT: Interconnectivity over Time.

IoT may be widely known as the Internet of Things, but the more it takes over, the more it truly interconnects our world. As Milo Werner explained, the “Internet of Things is an explosion of connected possibility.” The world seems that much more intertwined, which adds incredible value to the everyday life. It has “exponentially increased the amount of information and ways we as humans interact with it” [1], which in turn has “allowed for broader and deeper insight into human behaviors” [1]. Because of this, as Werner describes, there has been a IoT product increase which serve to produce this information and insight, such as a variety of products (wearables, cars, healthcare, food production, etc). Considering that “some 90% of the world’s data has been created in last 2 years” [1] only serves IoT as fuel to connect each and everyone of us. One mentioned not only be Werner, but a variety of researches, is how IoT of wearables is not only a trend, but a part of life.

Wearables become a part of the human themselves, it is a way for them to constantly feel connected without actually ‘acting’ upon it. It’s the idea – the idea of connectivity that draws us all into the IoT world. Just a few years ago, “just under 50 million wearable devices were shipped in in 2015” and now there is a projection of “over 125 million units expected to ship in 2019.” [2] Specifically, these wearables are addressing the consumer need of ‘realtime’ and a ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle. The IoT mindset of refreshing updates over-the-air and the addition of sync value really adheres to the consumer market, especially that of millennials. Through this data and technology that webs everything together, the wearable market is “tapping into Millennials’ desires for personalization, freedom, and experiences over material things.” [4] And if we think about the current movement of wearables such as the Apple Watch, there is more IoT to be added to serve the needs of the customer. For example, similar to Werners idea of information convergence, Apple is “adding direct cellular connectivity and meaning the Apple Watch will be able to support using its Siri voice assistant, messaging and transferring sensor data without needing an iPhone in close proximity — thereby expanding its utility and potentially giving the product’s prospects with consumers a boost.” [3] This also supports Werner’s concept of value capture and controlling points of the IoT. As she states, it “adds personalization and context; network effects between products.” The network itself is what IoT creates and connects; its a tool that all of us are now accustomed to. We don’t just want it, we need it – for it has become a part of the daily life over time. It has interconnected us all as the trend and technology continues to increase.

[1] https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=SG5F3vxBRu4C&oi=fnd&pg=PT1&dq=Ethics+of+big+data+devices&ots=2t9J4hHfSF&sig=w-lmvT67g92wuxUAd4-TF1sfJos#v=onepage&q=Ethics%20of%20big%20data%20devices&f=false’

[2] https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/wearables-statistics-2017/

[3]’ https://techcrunch.com/2017/08/24/global-wearables-market-to-grow-17-in-2017-310m-devices-sold-30-5bn-revenue-gartner/

[4]

Fitness Industry Statistics [Growth, Trends & Resources 2018]