IoT (Internet of Things) is a big deal. IoT refers to the network of physical devices that are connected by the internet. Think of smart watches, security systems and cars. These devices track the world around them, and collect and exchange the data.
I like to check our solar system on my cell phone. And see who is at the gate before I open it. But too much of a good thing can be … too much.
Enter IoTMT: the Internet of too many Things
Some things don’t need apps
A few days ago, a man called Jeff Geerling posted a YouTube video. He had bought and installed a new dishwasher. The brand was highly recommended. But when he wanted to run the rinse cycle, he discovered he needed an app to do it. But he couldn’t connect the app to the dishwasher. No: he needed to connect them via the internet to the manufacturer’s website. He was not happy.
I don’t blame him. Why should you need an internet connection to run a dishwasher? I had the same problem with my printer. It expects me to log in to the manufacturer’s web site before it scans. I have a work-around for this, but it still annoys me.
The dark side of IoT
We all like the idea of “smart” stuff. A wifi-connected device with an app sounds cool. But IoT has its dark side.
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The main concern is, of course, security. There have been many breaches involving IoT devices. Even if you do everything right, you still depend on the quality of the vendor’s software. It sounds great to remotely start your coffee machine, until it gets hacked.
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The next concern is privacy. What data do these devices collect about our habits? And what do they use it for? We need to be concerned about our personal information.
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Then you have to worry about losing internet connection. I don’t want my washing machine to stop working because of a broken cable.
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And then there’s the cost. A technician told me about a wifi-enabled gate motor. It costs almost double the price of the standard gate motor. With more functionality, more things can go wrong, and the repair costs are higher. And the company may decide to charge for that functionality in the future.
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Last, but not least, is the environmental impact. Manufacturers go out of business. What if your new cell phone OS needs an upgraded app, and there isn’t one? If you can’t use the device anymore, you’ll throw it out. More electronic waste.
Unplanned results
Even useful IoT devices can have undesirable results.
I read of a trucking company that used IoT modules in its fleets. The company tested the system, but assumed the cloud server would be available. During actual use, the cloud server failed. The IoT modules devoured cellular airtime trying to find the server. The company couldn’t pay its network bill, and had to close. I couldn’t verify the story, but a huge cell bill sounds likely.
Weird IoT devices
There really are “smart” toilets. Features include auto-flushing, heated seats, spray adjustments, and a night light. You can find one on Takealot for about R17,000. And soon you can have even more. Stanford researchers are developing a toilet that analyses waste to provide health information.
But some IoT devices are more silly than useful. Here are a few:
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Hidrate Spark is a connected water bottle that tracks your water intake. It glows to make sure that you don’t forget to drink your water. You can buy it on Amazon.com for about R1200, before shipping
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The Quirky Egg Minder smart tray lets you remotely check how many eggs you have, and how fresh they are. It’s so silly that Quirky seems to have given up trying to sell it.
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The Griffin smart toaster will notify your phone when your toast is ready. The company also has a smart mirror. For enough money, you can receive the notification on your mirror while you brush your hair.
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The Hari Mari smart flip flops are probably the worst idea of all. They didn’t provide any useful data, like steps. Instead they would send the user discount shopping deals. No wonder they failed.
I love my electric water flosser, but I don’t need it to remind me to floss my teeth.
What stories do you have about IoT devices? Please share them.