Epunchng - Most read newspaper in Nigeria Dec 8 2017 | Page 3

Gadget smart With FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 3 09080019063 [email protected] Ife Ogunfuwa •Source: www.futureforall.org How Internet of Things is transforming home security O Nce upon a time, computers were pretty much the only devices that connected to the Internet. These days, that idea is a fairytale. According to www.entrepreneur.com, the reality is that an incredible number of products are now connected to the web, from refrigerators to watches, clothing, cars, thermostats, light bulbs, and alarm systems. By 2020, an estimated 20-plus billion items will belong to the so-called “Internet of Things.” That’s a big number. And entrepreneurs are taking notice. Here’s how the IoT has inspired a new start-up niche and is transforming the home security industry in the process. The Internet of Things has hugely expanded the number of home security products on the market. These range from smart locks, lights, radios, garage doors, and cameras that can be operated remotely via a smartphone to sensory devices that operate like wireless eyes and ears. The sensory category includes products such as: •cocoon, which uses unique sound technology to monitor activity in a home. It also tracks regular comings and goings to identify unusual activity. •iSensor HD, which features WiFi-enabled cameras that pan 180-degrees and can be operated with a mobile device. •Nest, which connects thermostats and smoke alarms to monitor the home’s internal environment for safety threats. •Point, which listens for potentially suspect sounds in a home (e.g. breaking windows) and sends real-time alerts in response to these triggers. These innovations are just the beginning of the IoT-inspired transformation of the home security market. The rise of the home security niche The Internet of Things has made possible unprecedented innovations in home security. But that’s not the only reason IoT- inspired home security has caught the attention of entrepreneurs. Here are some of the factors contributing to the rise of this new start-up niche. Tech firms cash in It used to be that home security companies were the only ones focused on innovating home security. That has changed with the growth of IoT. Silicon Valley and a plethora of tech start- ups have identified opportunities to expand their technology and applications #Takeaway A SSISTIvE technology refers to hardware and software designed to help people with disabilities. Some types of assistive technology provide physical assistance, while others provide helpful aids for individuals with learning disabilities, according to www. techterms.com. examples of common assistive devices include hearing aids, wheelchairs, and prosthetics. Hearing aids amplify sound, helping individuals who have difficulty hearing. Modern hearing aids even filter out background noise and clarify speech, making conversation easier. Wheelchairs provide mobility for individuals who Assistive technology are unable to walk. Motorised wheelchairs provide a means of transportation for people with limited upper body function. Prosthetics can replace missing body limbs, such as arms or legs. Some modern prosthetics even allow people to control appendages, such as the fingers on a prosthetic hand. Software designed to help individuals with physical limitations is often called “Accessibility” software. Popular operating systems, such as Windows, OS X, and iOS include several accessibility features. Some examples include: •Text to speech - A computer can speak text for people with visual impairments. It also provides a way for mute individuals to communicate with others. •Speech to text - Also called dictation, this feature translates spoken words into text for people who have difficulty using a keyboard. Some operating systems allow users to speak common commands such as opening or quitting programs. • Voiceover - Some operating systems can speak descriptions of items when the user selects them or moves the cursor over them. •Screen zoom - Keyboard shortcuts can be used to zoom into different areas of the screen, increasing the size of text and images. •Display enhancements - Inverting colours and increasing contrast can make it easier for individuals with limited vision to see the screen. Assistive software may also be designed for educational purposes. For example, a specialised reading program may help students with dyslexia. Math tutor programs can provide a way for students to learn mathematical concepts at a comfortable pace. Memory applications can help individuals with brain injuries restore their memorisation capabilities. to the home security market. This has led to the emergence of point solutions. Homeowners are investing in home security solutions in an a la carte manner—an alarm system from this company, a camera setup from another company, a garage door app from a third company, and so on. Start-ups can diversify or specialise; there’s a demand for it all. Integrated applications emerge Point solutions are both an outcome and an instigator of the rise of home security start-ups. The trouble with point solutions belonging to different companies is that they’re not connected to each other. That has opened up an opportunity for start-ups to create applications that integrate various smart home solutions for greater security and user-friendliness. Start-up Neurio, for example, developed a sensor that can monitor both older devices and smart products. Piper offers integrated control of household devices including lights and video monitoring. Acquisitions are on the rise Big corporations such as Amazon and Google (which acquired Nest for $3.2bn) have helped drive start-up development through acquisitions. Investments are also going strong, for example, Sequoia invested $57m in SimpliSafe in 2014. This activity has inspired confidence in start-ups and helped rapidly expand the market’s reach. Surveillance becomes cost-effective Tech advancements and the rise of third-party monitors are driving down the costs of home security. That means start-ups can develop security solutions for less. It also means home security is accessible to more homeowners. This has expanded the consumer base available to start-ups in this niche. The need to secure home security devices arises The irony of IoT home security products is that while they enhance home security, they can also undermine it. cybercriminal activity poses a threat to smart security products. This means there’s an opportunity for start-ups to capitalise on these risks with additional security solutions. For example, some start-ups are working on devices that identify malware and unfamiliar Internet Protocol addresses and alert homeowners to potentially threatening activity. As the Internet of Things transforms the home security market, industry leaders and homeowners alike are changing the way they think about home security. The market is moving towards a “home systems” approach emphasising integrated security solutions that allow homeowners to manage and secure virtually every aspect of their home.