Is the IoT the 'IoC'? Thoughts, Predictions and the Worst Exponents

is-the-iot-the--and-quot;ioc-and-quot;-thoughts-predictions-and-the-worst-exponents photo 1


Internet of Things, as touted by Cisco, is expected to be the next big thing— at least by 2020. If predictions are to be speculated, approximately 11.6 billion handsets and even a bigger number of other gadgets are going to embrace IoT— with open arms— in the years to come.

While the IoT adoptions have increased massively in 2016— aiding the creation of newer jobs, there are a few areas which need to be looked at with a stricter point of view. Many of us have already questioned the efficacy of IoT as a new technology— raising eyebrows at its all-encompassing stature and inevitability.

While being confident is good, Internet of Things is soon transforming into Internet of Crap— courtesy the overenthusiasm of companies, erroneous adoption techniques and completely absurd gadgets.
Before moving any further into this article, I would like to mention the reasons why IoT, as a futuristic adoption, fails to impress me.

Nature of Predictions

IoT, without doubt, had a wonderful start. However, the moment predictive analysis pitched in, things took an ugly turn. This innovation was meant for connecting devices towards consumer benefit but eventually the implementations stopped surprising us. The saddest part, however, is that most IoT devices are popularized keeping the business-centric community in mind when the crux of development should include the consumer market.

The modern day IoT devices are based on predictive algorithms and I do have issues with the nature of included predictions. Internet of Things tries to be optimistic but fails to account for the negatives which are a part and parcel of consumer life.

The Sudden Growth

In the world of technology, a 20 to 30 percent adoption rate is considered normal. However, certain IoT predictions shot up to 100 percent which easily looked way beyond the comfort zone. Cent percent adoption rate, easily takes credibility out of the equation and this is what was witnessed at CES 2017 when a host of absurd IoT powered devices were introduced.

Unproven Prowess

Trust me, I am not the one who initiated Internet of Crap as an emotion. However, what compelled me to join the bandwagon was the lack of proven potential. It has already been half a decade but IoT hasn't been able to make a substantial contribution to the technological arena.

Barring a few instances when users can verbally command their PCs to download stuffs via 123movies and other streaming clients, there hasn't been an innovative path taken by IoT towards holistic technological development.

It is 2017 and we don't need technologies for doing petty home-based jobs. Instead, we crave for something revolutionary and IoT is far from offering any of it.

The Hype

While optimism is a great asset, being all hyped up about something might be impairing. As a matter of fat, IoT, unlike Artificial Intelligence or Machine learning— zoomed its way into 2017. Speed is definitely good but it shouldn't come at the expense of quality. However, I would like to think that more than the overenthusiastic companies, it is the hype surrounding IoT which is to be blamed.

Internet of Crap isn't an overnight feeling but it's the extent of disappointment, amplified upon encountering misleading and unimportant gadgets.

Trivialization Trap

I am still hopeful for Internet of Things and believe that it can easily bounce back to reality. However, the willingness to experiment with every device needs to stop right here or else the overblown concept will soon diffuse into oblivion.

Let us talk about smart cities and smart cars where IoT can actually make a difference. If utilities are concerned we might just be looking at something more than just YouTube to Mp3 converter for satiating out technological requirements. The reason for this apathy towards the inclusion of IoT in the entertainment industry would be the oversaturation of the existing sphere.

When it comes to streaming websites, downloading content and even watching Hulu and Netflix— IoT isn't the approach we want to fall back upon.

The Worst Devices: Strictly "IoC"

Now when we have summarized the reasons and the path ahead for Internet of Things, it's only fitting to lighten this discussion with certain gadgets which might just be the worst exponents of IoT.

  1. Face Mask

This gadget was first introduced at the recently concluded MWC and I can't stop smirking. I wouldn't be using a lot of cuss words but this so-called Smart 'Face Mask' is more of a marketing gimmick and yet another example of the overhyped IoT. is-the-iot-the--and-quot;ioc-and-quot;-thoughts-predictions-and-the-worst-exponents photo 2
While this device comes with brain entertainment technology, temperature measurer and even an on-board microphone, it loses a lot of points when utility is concerned. I doubt whether this gadget will bring in good sleep but am certain that Bluetooth proximity with the brain will surely cause some serious discomfort.

  1. Tape Measure Obviously 'Smart'

Not many of us consider the Smart Tape Measure as an inseparable ally. However, the Korean MNC behind the manufacturing process thought otherwise. While this Bluetooth powered measure seems inconsequential, it also misses out on the fallback technology i.e. a battery rejuvenator.

Bottom Line

While Internet of Things still looks promising as a technological breakthrough, it's time companies realize that adding to the existing lineup of gadgets won't bring laurels to this concept. Instead, the approach should be towards adding substance to innovations rather than stressing on quantity.

Article Is the IoT the 'IoC'? Thoughts, Predictions and the Worst Exponents compiled by Original article here

Recommended stories

4 Home Automation Predictions for 2017

The home automation market is growing faster than ever, with an endless list of new tools and gadgets to prove it. In its 2017 report, the Consumer Technology...

More stories

Can VoIP be the future of communications?

The telecommunication industry is being developed at a rapid pace along with the introduction of new and innovative technologies. This has changed the way how p...