Mobile Technology and the IoT
You may have heard the term Internet of Things (IoT) and assumed it was a complicated term that only tech wizards would appreciate, but in actual fact, IoT can apply to just about anyone. The trick is to discover how it works best for you.
That’s not to say it isn’t a complex matter though. With an ever-evolving tech industry before us and mobile apps becoming the new business ‘must-have’, the Internet of Things has been described as ‘the future’ and a movement that could potentially change the world.
I’ve decided to look into this in more detail to discover just how much the Internet of Things has influenced mobile technology and what we can expect to see in the future.
What is the Internet of Things and where did it come from?
[Image: ayehu]
Digital innovation expert Kevin Ashton is responsible for coining the term Internet of Things. Primarily it is the connection between machine devices and the internet to ensure we can send and receive messages using a range of modern day tools. Since we are living in such a digitally orientated world, where connecting with other people is easier than ever before, IoT provides us with the chance to connect devices with one another as well.
Kevin explains:
“If we had computers that knew everything there was to know about things, using data they gathered without any help from us, we would be able to track and count everything and greatly reduce waste, loss and cost. We would know when things needed replacing, repairing or recalling, and whether they were fresh or past their best.”
Why will Internet of Things be useful for technology?
[Image: Circuit Digest]
Selecting a home device
This is the part where an individual needs to choose a device that has the ability to be connected to other devices. This is a crucial part in the app development process so careful consideration needs to be made. Technology that prefers portability will benefit more from a mobile device, whereas technology that prefers power will need a computer device.
Accessibility alternatives to be increased
Mobile devices with touch screens can be accessible through a keyboard or mouse. However, an exclusive IoT device can be accessed through gestures. Depending on the device you want to use, you may be given the option to use more than one accessible alternative.
Advanced connectivity options
In order for devices to connect smoothly, there must be a reliable network connection involved. Current technology allows you to incorporate devices in a number of ways. This might be through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or mobile internet. An IoT device has the capabilities of connecting to multiple devices at any one time.
Security features
A phase in any app development process is of course ample amounts of testing to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Testing and security should never be compromised in any way as the functionality of the app is the basis of what it’s supposed to achieve. The Facebook app for example should provide privacy to user’s personal information.
IoT will make homes smarter
It’s been suggested that 70% of people who purchase a smart home device will be more likely to purchase another one in the future. Smart home technologies will be much more important in 2018.
How has the Internet of Things influenced mobile app development?
Mobile apps are not only a way of keeping up to date with the rapid speed of industry competition but also, they provide much needed convenience for people from all walks of life. In another decade there could be an abundance of jobs in this very field taking technology to even further depths.
Developing a mobile app is much like developing a web app but with one key difference: mobile apps are often intended to take advantage of the unique features that a mobile app can offer such as a gaming app could be written to take advantage of the accelerometer of the iPhone.
The Internet of things has the ability to make our homes, cars and even cities smarter, but in this instance they need a mobile device to act as the main interface through which communication can take place.
Mobile connectivity strengthens the IoT ecosystem creating new opportunities and development in various sectors in our society. This can include travel, healthcare, education, retail and more.
What does the future hold for IoT and apps?
There are many exciting possibilities for the future of mobile apps, but it’s important to keep in mind that quality will always be at the forefront of any major development. While it’s hard to really predict the future, we can already tell that IoT and mobile apps are dramatically changing the way we work, our homes and our daily lives. One thing we know for certain is that whether you’re a business owner, a coder, designer, application developer or you work in a bar, mobile apps and IoT can transform just about anyone’s lives.