The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly prevalent in everyday life. However, a few things about this technology may surprise you.

It’s been around for a long time

In fact, it predates the web browser. The first IoT device was created in 1981, when Carnegie Mellon engineers wanted to know the status of drinks in a Coke machine. By connecting the machine’s sensors to the Internet, anyone with access to its Internet address could see its temperature and contents. This slightly frivolous exercise forms the basis of IoT: using technology to connect with real-world objects.  Other forms of advances are the use of API’s with one example being the AML Identity check API that is controlled by businesses such as www.w2globaldata.com/regulatory-compliance-solutions-and-software/aml-id-checks

The future is powerless

One slight drawback of the IoT is that it needs either a wired power source or a battery. However, research is ongoing into alternative IoT sensors that use heat, light, or ambient radio waves, something that could remove reliance on electricity and expand the IoT market exponentially.

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There are more devices out there than you think

While it feels like the IoT has only been at the forefront of marketing strategies for a short time, the number of devices connected to the Internet outstripped connected people over a decade ago. There are now approximately five devices connected for every person, with a total of 50 billion predicted within the next two years. Forbes believes the advent of 5G will speed that growth up.

It appears in some unexpected places

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The IoT is being integrated into more and more consumer products, including a mirror. US firm Kohler’s Verdera mirror has embedded Alexa, enabling voice-controlled lighting adjustments, shopping, music and weather reports while you’re having a shave or applying makeup. We are not sure it will tell you if you’re the fairest of them all, however!

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