The Internet of Things

Back in March I posted about the Internet of Things (or IoT for short).  Since that post I have seen the #IoT in regards to a wide array of topics.  The uses of the IoT are varied with some being downright scary.  Some examples that I have run across in the last few weeks are as follows:

•  Disney has plans to change its experience at theme parks and hotels with its wearable device. From an app or wristband one can get into a park, purchase a souvenir and even sign up for the fast pass on various rides.  All of this can be done from a wristband or phone app.  Learn more here.  No more paper tickets or waiting in lines for rides. 
• Hospitals are using the IoT helping sick children play interactively with shelter pets helping the children forget about their illness for a small time.  
• TheLevis Company is using the IoT to develop clothes that connect to the internet to help people interact more with the real world around them instead of staring at phones. 

Convenience, helpful & scary is how I categorize the above list.

The IOT can help make lots of things more organized (Disney) and helpful (kids in hospitals).  What scares me is there may be a market for wearable clothes that help people be more interactive with the real world. What is that about?

The INTERNET OF THINGS needs to help people be more INTERACTIVE with the REAL WORLD!  People do stare at their phones a lot when out in public.  I am guilty of that myself.  In my house, we had to implement a rule that all cell phones are turned off and put away during family dinner.  Sadly, the rule was put in place for my husband and myself – not my children.  To think that clothes might connect with our cell phones in the near future makes me fear for my grandchildren.  Will we have to change clothes before dinner to continue the tradition of eating as a family and the end of every single day?  Smart phones have changed society in positive and negative ways.  How will Smart Clothes change the next generation?  Do we really need an IoT device (clothes) to help us connect more with reality or should we just be more responsible with the technology we have?  IF the smart clothes catch on – where will this lead us as a society?  Will we start living the science fiction books I grew up reading?  Sounds great in theory but the reality of all of this “connectivity” may be it actually make us less “connected” to real people and the real world around us.

I would love to hear what others think about this Brave New World that is upon us. #IoT #GlobalIndustry #BigData #WearableTech