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Android x IoT: Smart Homes Made Possible by the Internet of Things


The Internet of Things (IoT) innovation has significantly transformed not just commercial processes but also personal lifestyles. This technology has even succeeded in remodeling houses into smarter homes. To date, IoT comes in various forms - from devices to equipment to appliances to furniture to accessories - easing up the day-to-day lives of homeowners/households.

What is The Internet of Things (IoT) and What Does Android Have to Do With It? To put the Internet of Things definition simply, it’s a network of internet-enabled devices and tools. Basically, any device or processor programmed with sensors and data transmission capabilities is considered an IoT device.

IoT developments have penetrated both the corporate world and the residential spaces. And as consumers better understand and appreciate the benefits of this tech innovation, a significant increase in demand has been seen in past years. This is one of the main reasons why developers and manufacturers resort to accessible and affordable source codes, operating systems, and app platforms - or to sum it up, Android.

Technically, IoT devices are run by applications, and being the largest open-source app platform, Android is the most ideal and practical driving force of the Internet of Things. Google probably has probably looked into the bigger picture when Android was designed to be a universal front end, giving it away to device manufacturers and software developers. Android is basically open to anyone who needs a source code, an app platform, or an operating system.

Indeed, Android and IoT partner up so well. For instance, the SSL communication between IoT devices and Android devices is quite promising. And to better understand how this partnership works, let’s look into the major components of IoT and how Android comes into the picture. IoT Needs a Sensor; Android is an Accessible Domain IoT is programmed to function when triggered, and those triggers usually require sensors that can detect parameters such as temperature, voice, and touch. And in most cases, hardware manufacturers and vendors use open-source domains like Android, Linux, and Windows since they are easier to access and tweak. IoT Needs a Pathway to Transfer Data; Android Supports Open Source Implementations To relay the trigger from the sensor to the operating system, an IoT device would require a secure and reliable way to transmit data. Two of the most practical and straightforward options are MQTT and XMPP which are both supported by Android. IoT Needs a Processor; Android Devices are Portable and Efficient Then, of course, there’s the device itself. IoT requires processors with compatible operating systems. And yes, what other better option than Android, right? An Android device is usually designed to be compact, consuming just enough power as it generates uninterrupted connections. Plus, Android is way more affordable. IoT Needs a Program; Android is the Perfectly Compatible Server Last but definitely not least is the program. Like almost all tech innovations, there’s an exquisite programming architecture behind every IoT device. The program is the core aspect of every IoT masterpiece, receiving, decoding, and processing data.

IoT-Based Home: Home Automation Using Android - IoT Devices

https://youtu.be/ftREnRfzi1A

The Internet of Things refers to devices and programs interconnected by the internet. The main idea behind this innovation is to streamline the access and management of specific tools, appliances, accessories, and various other equipment. And true to its goal, IoT has been making homes smarter and home living more convenient. Here are some of the most popular household IoT devices.

Home Voice Controller This is a voice-activated IoT that lets homeowners control alarms, lights, temperature, and more. Popular brands that offer such services are Google Home and Amazon Echo Plus. Smart Lock This is a reliable IoT device programmed to add an extra layer of home security. Homeowners get to remotely control their doors and manage their locks. One of the proven and tested Smart Lock IoT brands is August, providing hassle-free security solutions. Doorbell Cam August also offers other - more targeted - security devices such as doorbell cameras. Such IoT devices are placed on gates or main doors, allowing users to answer or open from any remote location. These can also capture motion changes for added security. Indoor Air Controller There are now also IoT devices that enable you to control your indoor air quality, detecting temperature and measuring pollution. Brands like Foobot also come with modern solutions that can manage and improve your house’s air quality. Entertainment Robot Robots like the ones from Kuri are designed to provide entertainment for their housemasters. These IoT devices are also programmed to record house activities and capture family bonding moments. Safety and Security Alarms Another type of IoT security device is alarms and detectors - from unauthorized access to fire to other emergencies. Nest, for instance, detects smoke and security threats, sends out real-time notifications, and isolates/addresses the issue. Home Cybersecurity Aside from physical devices and appliances, there’s also an IoT for cybersecurity. Brands like Bitdefender Box, K7 Antivirus, and Symantec protect internet-enabled home devices from malware, hacks, spyware, and the like.

The Present and The Future of The Internet of Things IoT innovation was first introduced in the early 1980s. Students from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania were said to be the first ones to develop the first-ever internet-connected device, a soda vendo. This vending machine can signal customers if the soft drinks are cold enough, making a trip from their desk to the vendo worthwhile.

Fast forward to the current modern era, IoT now manifests in different types and forms of devices - becoming more and more portable, efficient, and advanced. This innovation has undoubtedly opened several doors and created a brighter future for all of us.

No one knows for sure what IoT still has in store but experts are convinced it still has a bigger potential untapped. Manufacturers and developers see more energy-efficient and networked systems are possible in the near future.

Nevertheless, IoT is already doing a lot for everyone at the moment. In fact, IoT devices are now highly advised and not just recommended. Here are some of the reasons why.

Uninterrupted Connections Streamlined Automation Remote Access Better Control Strong Monitoring Enhanced Productivity Time-Saving Energy-Efficient Cost-Effective


Conclusion With the promising effects and capacities of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, there’s no doubt it has become one of the most followed and talked about topics in this digital age. After all, even regular homeowners and households can now also benefit from this technological advancement.

Note, however, that like any other tech innovation, IoT comes with certain threats and disadvantages. The good thing though is that developers are constantly pursuing possible solutions to mitigate - if not eradicate - such risks.

Frequently Asked Questions What does the first ever smart home look like? The Echo IV is known to be the first-ever home automation which was developed in 1966. This enabled homeowners to remotely turn on and off certain appliances, control their home temperature, and even create shopping lists. What are the main technologies used in IoT devices? Android is the main driving force of most IoT devices. Other technologies used to program such devices are Bluetooth, LTE, NFC, and ZigBee. Can hackers compromise IoT devices? Since IoT devices are connected to the internet, yes these could be vulnerable to cyber threats and virtual attacks. Hackers and other cybercriminals could penetrate and take over cameras or control panels to spy on your home activities.