The
number of devices connected to the internet is set to explode in the
coming years. If until recently the only devices with an active
internet connection were computers, smartphones (which are, in fact,
pocket-sized computers), security cameras, and some very specific
devices (used mainly for production or surveillance), today we are on
the verge of an explosion of devices that will be connected to a
global network. It's not only the number of connected devices that is
going to change in the near future, though: recent developments will
change the way we interact with them, making them more personal, more
interactive, and more seamlessly integrated with our everyday life.
But
what does the internet of things have in store for us in the future? Let's take
a look at what the future holds.
A
different kind of interaction
The
term digital has the Latin term digitus at its base, which refers to
the use of fingers rather than the voice to interact with other
people, through the use of a variety of devices. We truly live in a
"digital" era, where people don't talk any more, but rather
type - we chat, we text, we type status updates and use our fingers
(rather than a lever) to spin the reels of a Royal Vegas slot
machine.
In
the times of the 'internet of things', we won't have the chance to
interact with our smart devices - and other humans - using our
fingers, as many of them will not have a keyboard. And, let's face
it, typing on the side of a fridge is not what you imagine as the
ideal way to send a message. Instead of using our hands, we will
revert to a vocal time, when we will once again interact with our
devices - and other humans - using our actual voices. It will be
strange to tell your favourite Royal Vegas slot machine to spin the
reels, rather than clicking a button, but we'll surely get used to
it.
Security?
With
more and more devices connected to the global network, it's a valid
concern that we expose ourselves to a series of attacks; new ones,
targeting not only our banking data and personal information, but
information about our consumption habits (which makes targeting ads
much easier), and possible invasions into our personal lives.
Perhaps
IoT will have a thing or two to learn from online gambling operators
in this area. Online casinos routinely handle the personal
information and banking details of their players, and do so without
any major incidents. Well, some of them. The Royal Vegas, for
example, has a history of over one decade without any major security
breaches, and will most likely go on with an impeccable record for
further years. Casinos seem to know a thing or two about security -
IoT developers could learn a thing or two about it from them.
