Preparing for the Internet of Things

Wearable technologies are about to change the way we live, and that change is coming very soon. Being on top of this next generation of Internet is imperative to understanding future consumer trends.

The next Internet phenomenon will not be a new type of website, or a social media platform. It will be an Internet created by objects and sensors that talk to each other and complete tasks you ask them to do for you, every day.

Last week, we had Apple launch its first Internet-connected wearable collection. Coming in two sizes of 38mm and 42mm the Apple Watch has a sapphire display, three different metallic finishes, many different strap options and features which include making and receiving calls, measuring your daily fitness or sleep activity and the ability to connect to the apps on your iPhone 5 or newer. And while the Apple Watch will not go on sale until early 2015, you don’t have to wait that long to experience your own Internet-connected wearable revolution.

This is the Internet of Things (IoT) and it is a strange new world of inanimate objects that complete tasks by talking to each other while you work, sleep, and play.

And this new world is closer than many of us realize today. Already the market for wearable devices has grown dramatically, from zero in 2009 to a forecast $12 billion by 2018.

It has already become mainstream enough to have Forbes write about why your dog needs a wearable. And we have seen large acquisitions of device manufactures, including Google’s $3.2 billion acquisition of Nest, and GE’s undisclosed investment in Wurldtech. Cisco estimates that by 2015 we will see 25 billion connected devices online, growing to 50 billion by 2020.

Why Does All This Matter?

As a marketer, business manager, or consumer, it is important for us to stay ahead of these trends. If we understand how consumers will expect to engage with technology in the future, we are better prepared to deliver experiences that are both relevant and compelling. This experience will help us design great value propositions for our audiences that make sense in tomorrow’s marketing environments.

Try a Wearable

Learn about how a sensor on your body can affect your behavior. Whether a watch, a bracelet, a chest band, a belt clip, or a onesie baby monitor for your infant, wearables now come in so many different sizes, shapes, and functions that there is something for everyone.

You don’t have to be a fitness freak to appreciate quantified self anymore. By tracking the quality of your sleep, or setting a target for a number of steps to do every day, you can learn a lot as a business owner, a marketer, or a consumer by participating in the wearable technology revolution.

Some Internet-connected devices to look out for:

  • The Jawbone Up24 for sleep and activity tracking
  • The Pebble Steel for smartwatch fashion
  • The Basis Band for powerful sensors that includes heart rate
  • The Fitbit Zip – one of the best fitness trackers for less than $60
  • The Mimo baby monitor starter kit for new parents

Finally if you are into a little luxury, check out the MICA bracelet. MICA enables women to stay connected via SMS messages, meeting alerts, and general notifications delivered directly to the wrist.

Try a Smart Home Device

Learn how sensors in your home can save you money or make life more convenient. There are many ways to make home life more comfortable or convenient without redesigning your home entertainment system or running a cat 5 cable through every wall. A thermostat to control heating or air-conditioning, a movement sensor for light switching, a moisture sensor to remind you when to water your plants, or a home alarm that knows who you are and when you are home are a few examples of the smart home devices available today.

Try to automate a daily activity and learn how proximity or activity can trigger an action automatically. Put the Internet to work for you with IFTHT (If This Then That). Receive an SMS if a stock you are following rises or falls. Automatically save your Instagram photos to your online storage for printing later. Add tomorrow’s weather report to your calendar so you see it first thing in the morning.

All of these are little things you may do every day already, but with smart devices you can now be automated!

Location-based actions and activity triggers are becoming easier to use and more interesting today, too. LIFTTT (Location for IFTTT) allows you to add a location to your automatic action. This can be particularly useful for locations that you frequent often – like your home or your work place.

Use LIFTTT to turn off the lights when you leave the house, or start to play music before you walk in the door at home.

The Internet of Things will change the way we work, live, and play in the next five years. And the more prepared you are to embrace it as a consumer, the more opportunities you will see as an industry professional, marketer, or a business manager to make the most of this trend.

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