IoT - What the *&$# is this? Hype?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects, devices, vehicles, buildings and other items which are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data.

One more definition ...
Internet of Things (IoT) or Internet of Everything (IoE) refers to devices or objects that are connected to the Internet, like your smartwatch, Fitbit, or even your refrigerator. These devices are able to collect and transmit data via the Internet, contributing to our big data world.

Build on what you have

The Internet of Things starts by building on the infrastructure you already have in place, using familiar devices and services in new ways, and incorporating the right technology to ultimately help you use data to create insights and make more informed business decisions. It’s not just for billions of devices and sensors in the future, it’s what you use today. It’s the Internet of Your Things.

Have you heard of Windows 10 IoT ? (or) Windows 10 for Raspberry pi?

Windows 10 IoT Core is a version of Windows 10 that is optimized for smaller devices with or without a display, and that runs on the Raspberry Pi 2, Arrow DragonBoard 410c & MinnowBoard MAX. Windows 10 IoT Core utilizes the rich, extensible Universal Windows Platform (UWP) API for building great solutions.  

Windows 10 IoT Core brings the power of Windows to your device and makes it easy to integrate richer experiences with your devices such as natural user interfaces, searching, online storage and cloud based services

Check this... Microsoft projects

Some unknown facts for you:

1. The majority of people (87%) have not heard of the term ‘Internet of Things’.
2. ATMs are considered some of the first IoT objects, and went online as far back as 1974.
3. some predict that by 2020, the number of Internet-connected things will reach or even exceed 50 billion. Now its around 4.9 billion.
4. The IoT will connect many of the devices we have in our homes, from smart thermostats to smart fridges. Companies like Google GOOGL +2.43% and Samsung understand this. Google bought smart thermostat maker, Nest Labs, for $3.2 billion, and Samsung purchased connected home company SmartThings for $200 million.
5. Having a connected kitchen could save the food and beverage industry as much as15% annually.

IoT will grow beyond your imagination in next 5 years. Get on with it ! This is not a hype !

Yes, you would have heard about Raspberry pi Zero, BeagleBone black and now BBC-Microbit and more coming up in the list of super cheap computers !!