6. Internet of Things

So far, the internet has been mainly concerned with people sharing information. This could be via a web site or a mobile app.

But now, 'things' are beginning to connect to the internet as well. For example a fridge, a boiler, a house security system talking to each other or an online server. This is called 'the internet of things'.

The idea is that these devices communicate amongst themselves without a person being in the loop. The purpose is to make life a bit more convenient for the owner.

Example: intelligent central heating

The system in the house talks to an online server about the house temperature and so on. The online account produces up to date graphs of temperature and energy use and compares it to the 'average' customer. In this way the owner can work out if they are making best use of their energy. All this is done automatically.

To make it even more convenient, the owner can access this information through a mobile app. They can also switch the heating off and on from anywhere through the app.

The future

It is still early days for the 'internet of things'. One of the issues is that there is no standardised way for the devices to talk to one other (network protocol). For example, protocols include

• 'Thread' - supported by Google and an alliance of other companies
• 'HomeKit' - supported by Apple
• 'ZigBee' - another alliance
• 'Z-Wave' - another alliance

Eventually though - maybe by 2020, expect to see many devices in your home connecting to the internet and each other.