What exactly is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
It is basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet and/or to each other. This includes everything from mobile phones, washing machines, wearable devices, printers and almost anything else you can think of. Analyst firm, Gartner, says that there will be over 26 billion connected devices by 2020.... THAT'S A LOT OF CONNECTIONS!!
One particular device that intrigued me was the Family Hub™ refrigerator by Samsung. It is an award-winning fridge and it sets a completely new standard of connected living.
The Family Hub™ fridge helps with the food management of your household. It comes with 3 built-in cameras that will take pictures of what's inside your fridge and send it to your mobile device. Thanks to this new fridge, you'd now be able to plan your meals. So from now on when you're at the supermarket, there's no need to wonder if you have any eggs left in your fridge. Plus nobody will ever get mad at you again because you forgot to buy their favourite cheesecake since you'd get an alert. On the other hand, it helps your family avoid wasting food by managing expiry dates. This is how it works.... It offers an application that appears on the screen depending on the time selected for each product and you will receive a notification when it's time to eat the product. Amazing right?
But guess what? Samsung didn't stop the innovation there and went ahead to include a 21.5" interactive screen that allows you to watch your favourite shows or listen to music via Spotify. With a swipe of your finger, you can even schedule and see your family's agenda or access recipes online. With its built-in voice control system, this fridge helps navigate apps hands-free while in the midst of cooking or help read out your day's agenda. Connected to your doorbell and house security camera, you can even check who's at the door while you're in the kitchen and communicate with them through your fridge.
Family Hub™ is definitely more than just a fridge! It truly brings about a whole new kitchen experience.
A smart fridge is only just the beginning for the IoT. As we continue to educate ourselves about what is the IoT is and its potential impacts that can be seen on how we work and live, there are going to be so many more opportunities for various devices to join the IoT.