The new buzzword on many people’s lips as we head into the Christmas period is the Internet of Things or IoT. Experts are predicting that the influence exerted by IoT will fundamentally transform most aspects of our lives. So just what is this all about?
The IoT is merely a network of inter-connected devices and machines that can collect and share data with each another via the internet. This is not small news, for it is estimated that from the start of 2015 up to 2020, in excess £4.5 trillion (1) will have been invested in IoT solutions.
Further estimates are suggesting that a total of 34 billion IoT devices will be connected, by then. Many of these devices are used in business, of course, though many others will enter the retail consumer markets. The way we eat, shop and sleep will be affected by technology that is being described as potentially bigger than the industrial revolution.
Here are 7 IoT devices that could change our everyday lives or are nice Christmas presents.
Fisher-Price, 4-in-1 Smart Connect™ Cradle ’n Swing
This creative cradle takes the effort out of getting baby off to sleep. All its movements are controlled via your smart device and in addition to the lights and music to smooth your little one off to the land of nod. It also has a range of rocking and swinging motions.
Samsung, Family Hub Refrigerator
If like most of us, you suffer from scatter-brained moments, this is the device for you. A camera fitted inside your fridge photographs the contents so that at any given time you can access it from your smartphone and order a restock from your favorite supermarket.
Refrigerators are fitted with a touchscreen featuring a calendar which can be synced with multiple smartphones. There is also a tool sending notes and reminders to your fridge from your mobile device giving you the ability to order refills from your local shop. More Information here
Kwikset, Kevo 
No need to worry about struggling to find your keys on a wet night, as this clever device illuminates the need. The smart door lock is connected by the internet to your phone. All you have to do when you arrive home is touch the lock and the door opens.
Palate Home Smart Grill
This was launched in 2014 and takes all the effort and stress out of cooking. Whatever you are cooking, the smart grill judges the weight and composition of the food. A few taps on your smart device tell it how you want it cooked and at what time you want it ready, and the rest simply just happens.
Lively personal emergency response
And at the other end of life, ageing can be a worry for relatives and friends. This clever device takes a lot of stress out of the care of your elderly loved ones. Personal alarms have been around a while but this stylish and easy-to-use safety wristwatch, means that round the clock emergency response is just a single button push away.
Belkin NetCam HD+ Wi-Fi enabled Camera
This super-clever camera works with Belkin’s WeMo systems. This is a series of products that enables consumers to control all their home electronics from anywhere, from their smart device.
The camera includes night vision, a high-quality all-glass wide-angle lens, and an infrared cut-off filter. A secure connection offers NetCam in full HD+ and only connects to their secure servers. Email alerts allow you to enjoy peace of mind with movement-detection notifications and the built-in microphone allows two-way conversations. You can see who is at your front door from anywhere.
Nest, Thermostat
This is one of the more well known devices but that does not take away from its appeal. Control your central heating from anywhere, never again go on holiday, having forgotten to turn the heating down, or off. When returning, turn it back on from the airport to ensure a warm home greets you. You can make any number of changes, 24 hours per day.
With thousands of more devices in development the sky is the limit for this technology; our lives are about to get easier!
Ref source: http://fintechnews.sg/7539/iot/iot-gadgets-for-christmas/
