At the moment, terms like IoT and Big Data have become an increasingly common topic and almost everyone is concerned about its effect on everything from how we travel and shopping to how manufacturers keep track of inventories. But what’s The Real Internet? How it works? And is it really relevant? Let me begin by defining the terms.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world now connected to the internet, all of which capture and exchange information. With global IoT network growing, more devices are connected to the Internet. As such, IoT apps are available for almost everything. This includes sensors that collect data, sensors that detect movement, smart televisions, automated personal assistants and devices that perform manual tasks are connected to the internet.
Here are some examples of the Internet of Things (IoT):
Smart Wearables
A wearable device is essentially something that you can put on your body, including typical devices such as watches, glasses and clothes. The IoT replaces the items we wear everyday.
I’m sure most of you have heard about the National Steps Challenge. National Steps Challenge is the first national physical activity initiative to utilize wearable technology through fitness trackers that have been working with the Healthy 365 mobile app coordinated by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) since 2015 to inspire Singaporeans to lead more active lifestyles. I would say that a large part of wearable technology such as smartwatches and fitness trackers is the health benefits they offer. Individuals will get a lot more involved with their own well-being if they can use wearable tech to track themselves.
Home Appliances – Integrating Smart TVs into IoT
Well, I’ve seen an increasing popularity of Smart TVs. I believe that the increase in adoption of Smart TVs is due to the growing penetration of high speed internet. Smart TVs have the capability of connecting to internet services such as the Netflix movie-streaming system and YouTube.
I have to admit that IoT has definitely make my life more convenient. So, recently my parents bought a Samsung Smart TV. The Smart TV made it easier for me to watch my favourite shows on Netflix and it also offers personalized recommendations with more content variety. What really impressed me was that I’m able to use my phone to control the TV. I downloaded the Samsung SmartThings app and Samsung Smart View app, which allows me to easily stream content from my phone to the Samsung Smart TV. I am also able to use my phone as a remote control. The apps are just that easy to use and even my parents find it so convenient to be able to use their phones to control the TV!
Big Data
Big data refers to data that’s so massive, fast, or complex that processing using traditional methods is difficult or impossible. Here are some examples of how companies utilizing big data analytics:
Coca-Cola is a real-world example of a company that utilizes big data analytics to improve customer retention. Through developing a digital-led loyalty program in 2015, Coca-Cola succeeded in expanding its data strategy. ADMA’s managing editor interviewed Coca-Cola Data Strategy manager. The interview made it clear that Coca-Cola is firmly behind the retention of consumers by big data analytics. Below is the abstract of the full interview:
To end off, IoT and Big Data have helped to create tremendous convenience for customers and marketers. Especially with more IoT devices and more new methods of Big Data Analytics tools to be implemented, the amount of benefits that customers and marketers are getting will continue to increase. So what’s your opinion of IoT and Big Data? Feel free to leave a comment below. 😊
XinRui's Blog 
I have personally heard horror stories of credit card information being stolen, just by a swipe from someone’s phone but yet to hear of that happening in Singapore. While IOT have proven to provide a lot of convenience to people, i feel that IOT may breed a lazy culture. As people can simply ask google to perform certain request for them, as opposed to just picking up their phone and clicking on it. But ultimately, i think IOT has brought about more convenience that outweighs its cons, as it is how the users determine how to use the products, whether for good and to save time, or use it simply because of laziness
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Thanks for commenting! I have also read about news regarding credit card information being stolen. I have to admit that with the increase of IoT devices, privacy is going to be a major concern for consumers. This is because datas are collected via IoT devices thus most of these datas would be personal or sensitive. It could therefore raise some concerns regarding privacy for consumers. But everything has its own pros and cons and there’s absolutely nothing out there that’s perfect or flawless. It is therefore particularly important for customers to take note of the terms and conditions, as well as the policies that each organization has in place to protect consumer’s interest.
I totally agree with you that IoT has provided lots of convenience to people! I doubt that I can live in a world without technology, because it really gives us so much comfort that we have never before imagined! I do agree with you that IoT might breed a lazy culture. This is because people are becoming increasingly familiar with and reliant on IoT. It will thus lead them to become less involved physically and more dependent on such technologies.
But I can’t say these technologies cause more bad than good, because it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Although there might be concerns regarding the use of IoT devices, but the simplicity and how it helps to improve the quality of life out beats the problems.
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Hi Xinrui! Though i agree that our daily lives have become so much convenient because of IOT devices, im still alittle hesitant about using them as they store personal information and you never know when you may by hacked! Do you have any advises for people like me regarding privacy concerns and how to protect ourselves?
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Thanks for commenting! I agree with you! Although I really like the convenience that IoT devices may bring to us but at the same time, I am worried that my personal information can leak out to those who are not allowed to view it.
Here are some ways to secure your IoT devices:
1. Download trustworthy Internet security applications on your smartphones, laptops and computers. For instance, Norton Security Deluxe will offer real-time security against current and emerging malware, including ransomware and viruses.
2. Using strong and unique passwords for user accounts, connected devices and Wi-Fi networks. Don’t use common words or easy to guess password like “123456.”
3. Always be sure to read the privacy policies of the applications you are using to see how they intend to use your details and more.
I have listed some ways that you can consider when securing your IoT devices. Alternatively, you can check out https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-iot-securing-the-internet-of-things.html for an exhaustive list of ways to protect yourself against security issues of IoT.
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Hi Xinrui, Nice post! I personally love the idea of Internet of Things and I would love to have a house that I can control. Especially to be able to turn on the AC 30 before I come home? Heck yeah! However, I’m scared of the consequences of my data being misused by cyber criminals. Do you think there’s any way that I could prevent that from happening?
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Thanks for commenting! Great that you like my post!
Definitely the only way to combat cyber criminals is to avoid using computers and smartphones, but I think that may be challenging because more of us rely more on these devices. Some of the ways I think involve using antivirus software and using strong passwords.
You can also visit https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-iot-securing-the-internet-of-things.html for an exhaustive list of ways to protect yourself against security issues of IoT!
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Hey xinrui! I like this post! What do you think of having a truly connected life? From smart homes, connected transport and smart offices. Do you think it is safe overall or it will just lead to many potential losses like hackers getting private information etc
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Thanks for commenting! Great that you like this post! With regard to your question, I agree that living a truly connected life has certainly created a lot of advantages for me & to be more precise, it has brought me lots of convenience and has definitely improved the quality of my life.
I believe that privacy will be a major concern of customers as IoT devices grow. That’s because data is collected by IoT apps, and most of these data are personal or important. Hence, it may raise some concerns regarding user privacy. Yet everything has its own strengths and weaknesses and there’s just nothing ideal or flawless out there.
Therefore I believe we are all responsible for our online security. It is best to still remain vigilant and alert. Remember that they will always be someone that is trying to hack you somewhere and users have to adhere to simple safety practices in order to shield you from most hacks.
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