The Internet of (Why?) Things

I'm sure many of you can relate to the number of smart devices in our homes that require Wi-Fi access just to monitor our brushing habits, suggest recipes we never use, or alert us when our toast is ready. The term "techno junk-drawer" has been used to describe these questionably "smart" devices, and I completely agree. Are they truly enhancing our intelligence?

There are genuine risks associated with poorly secured devices, and it's not just about hackers targeting your system. Imagine if someone gained access to the smart lock on your home.

Moreover, we seem unconcerned when these gadgets have unrestricted access to even more of our data. This raises the question: are we the end-users or the actual product?

Data often gathered, frequently without our knowledge, includes:

• Personal details

  • Name / Location / Contact details / Payment options

• Usage information

  • App tracking / Browsing activity / Energy use / Voice inputs

• Environmental data

  • Temperature settings / Lighting / Air quality / Noise levels

The vision of a seamless digital world holds promise. Smart thermostats, security systems, and IoT applications across various industries offer undeniable value. However, the challenge we face is not just making devices "smart" but making them "wise."

If you have any funny or interesting stories about your smart devices, I’d love to hear them in the comments!