Ways Smart Technology is Changing the World

The twenty-first century has seen the fastest growth in technology. Today, a machine can do what only man could do some years ago. The revolution in technology has made life easier to unimaginable levels! Let’s delve deeper into the world of smart technology.

The Invention of Smart Technology

One of the greatest inventions of all time is artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike some inventions that become obsolete in a matter of weeks or months, AI is here to stay. It is the invention that powers smart technology, which has been embraced far and wide.

How Smart Technology Works

Making a machine do what you can do might sound like a far-fetched fantasy or rocket science. However, it is real and around us. What happens is, the smart device is fed with information. It then uses the data to detect patterns and respond accordingly.

Besides picking patterns, a smart device can analyze data and determine if a faster and more efficient way of doing the task exists. The technology has been embraced in cities, workplaces, and even homes. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Smart Hospitals

No nation can thrive with a collapsed or weak healthcare system. For us to progress, we must lay great emphasis on healthcare. On that note, smart technology has played a significant role in strengthening healthcare systems all over the world. Every day, hospitals handle a lot of data, ranging from patient records to research data.

In 2016, the medical-related data worldwide amounted to 213 million gigabytes. This data is expected to double every three months by 2020. Such an amount of information is too much for any human being to compile. However, smart technology has changed the narrative. It is now possible to access any of the stored data in a matter of seconds.

Smart Cities

City life can be hectic at times. Traffic congestion and compromised safety are some of the factors that make living in a city a nightmare. However, smart technology has proved that all these challenges can be solved.

A perfect example of a smart city is Amsterdam. The city has been acknowledged worldwide when it comes to good urban life and preparedness. It has various projects that are collaborations among the government, businesses, residents, and tech developers. It has over 50 projects which are all linked by wireless devices, communicating with each other using the internet. The data collected helps in reducing traffic, managing garbage collection, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing public safety.

Integrating technology in a city’s day to day activities is a sure way to guarantee sustainability in the future. For instance, in Amsterdam, homes are fitted with smart energy meters with the government offering incentives to whoever actively reduces their energy consumption.

Smart Homes

Living has never been better or more comfortable. Smart technology allows you to control your home from wherever you are anytime. You can connect your electronic devices to a single computer system, allowing you to switch them on and off at scheduled times.

Some of the electric appliances we own are already smart. For instance, modern washing machines and dishwashers have programs that control how they work. Some appliances can detect changes in the environment such as light or darkness, going on and off depending on the set programs.

What Smart Technology can do to the World

1. Energy Efficiency

Families end up spending a lot of money on energy annually. However, smart devices have proved to save a significant amount of energy. If you own rental property, you are more likely to attract tenants if you have embraced smart technology.

Some smart devices are even capable of notifying you in case they are experiencing any faults. Fixing these faults on time can save you significant losses.

2. Improved Security

There is no greater assurance than knowing that your family and property are safe. With smart technology, you can be guaranteed of security wherever you are. With intelligent cameras installed around your home, you can get real-time footage on your phone as long as you have access to the internet.

You can also discard the key system and access your home through smart locks. Besides homes, businesses and organizations can also make use of the technology to ensure the safety of their data and enterprises.

3. Convenience

You don’t have to worry whether you remembered to switch off your lights while on vacation. You can control your electronic appliances using remotely using your smartphone. You can even automate crucial tasks in your home, such as cleaning and feeding the pets.

The Downside

Although smart technology has dramatically improved lives, it also has some risks. The greatest of them is cybersecurity threats. Since you can access your data remotely, a malicious cyber-criminal can access it too. Just one loose end can give criminals access to your money and personal data.

A hacker can also get control over your home or business and use the privilege to make away with your property. We should always pay close attention to the security of smart devices.

How can you Protect Yourself?

1. Immediately you buy your devices, change the manufacturer’s name, and set your names.

2. Set strong passwords for your devices and WI-FI. Avoid setting predictable passwords such as ones linked to your name or date of birth.

3. Ensure you have the latest security software on your devices. Also, update the operating system whenever necessary.

4. Only turn the camera and microphone on when required.

5. Do not turn your geolocation on unless you have to.

Another challenge that comes with smart technology is its reliance on the internet. If your internet connection is cut off, then the system is interrupted. Power cut off can also lead to challenges.

To make this world a better place to live, all we need to start with is data. Smart technology has proved that it is almost possible to be in two places at the same time. As long as we technologists continue working, the future’s so bright.

Resources- Clickatell, Read Write, Explain That Stuff.