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The IoT is a concept that proposes a wide variety of devices to be connected with each other.
The Connected Conference that took place in Paris introduced us to a palpable image of what the Internet of Things really is and how it will look like in our lives. The high-tech home that the organizers built for the attendees was as frightening as it was innovative. However, people are still skeptical when it comes to this new concept of living.
Those who have read the works of Margaret Atwood, Gorge Orwell, and Adolf Huxley are familiar with the idea of constant surveillance and a higher authority “in-touch” with our everyday lives. Unfortunately, all of the mentioned writers used the concept to create fascinating dystopias that are currently inflicting fear in the hearts of those who are put face to face with the notion of the Internet of Things.
Should we fear the IoT? The creators say that we shouldn’t. They have built the entire network with safety and comfort in mind, not the possibility of surveillance by third parties.
Those who attended the Connected Conference were given the opportunity of testing out the latest, “connectable” devices created to fit in a home dominated by the Internet of Things.
Thus, in the near future, we will be able to wake up with the scent of freshly-brewed coffee coming from our smart, smartphone-connected alarm clock. After that, we can open the smart shutters, activate the smart speakers, and turn on the smart boiler all from the comfort of our smart bed.
After getting all of these things done with the push of a button and without having to climb out of bed, we will still be able to activate our Wi-Fi integrated shower, umbrella, mirror, and toothbrush. Not to mention the already popular Nest, smart-lock, Echo, and Dropcam.
It sounds cozy, but keep in mind that every time you use your Echo app to control one of the aforementioned devices, people back at the headquarters will know. They say that the monitoring will be kept at a minimum at that they will only intervene in the life of a customer if his or her life is threatened. Third parties will not have access to the information.
While it does sound like the beginning of an Orwellian novel, one must admit that technology has gotten to a point where the comfort of the user is higher than ever.
Moreover, skeptics have time to convince themselves that the Internet of Things is not that frightful because it will take a few years for the devices to reach a considerable amount of homes.
Until then, don’t be shy, and leave us a comment with your opinion on the IoT and how it will affect everyday life.
Image source: Pixabay
