Examples of IoT Devices – Where Everyday Objects Become Extraordinary
In this article, we will be going over some examples of IoT devices. First, we will try and understand IoT devices, then look at 15 devices using IoT. So pay attention, grab a coffee, take notes, and read till the end for the best benefits!
What are IoT devices?
Since I have already covered IoT devices in depth in another article, we shall focus solely on examples of IoT devices in this article. Nonetheless, a quick recap won’t hurt.
Technically speaking, IoT devices are non-standard computing devices that connect wirelessly to a network and can transmit data. IoT devices communicate with each other in a network by using an internet protocol.
IoT devices are not your typical “dumb” machines like your laptop, tablet, desktop, etc. Instead, they are really smart pieces of tech that use machine learning and artificial intelligence to send, receive, process data, and take actions without human intervention. However, they can also be remotely monitored and controlled.
IoT devices are designed for various applications. They come in all shapes and sizes. Unlike PCs and a few other gadgets, IoT devices are portable digital machines. Some excellent and familiar examples of IoT devices are Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, Ring Cameras, smartwatches, and many more.
I have already covered IoT devices in depth in another article where we discussed their working, trends, advantages, disadvantages, and more. So, if you want to get your basics down, head to that article and read that first. For this article, we will keep it strictly for examples.
Google Home voice controller
The google home voice controller and google assistant are perfect examples of IoT. It allows you to enjoy multiple features like media, lights, thermostats, control of the volume, and so many more functions just by voice. Other cool features of the google home voice controller include:
1. Allows users to listen to media.
2. Capable of managing timers and alarms.
3. Let the user control the TV and speakers.
4. It can handle the volume and home lights remotely.
5. It helps people to plan their day and get things done automatically.
Amazon Echo
Better known as Alexa, Google’s rival in virtual assistant, when packaged in a smart speaker, is called the Amazon echo. The speaker unit comes in various sizes and colors.
Just like the google home voice controller, Alexa can also do multiple tasks like playing songs, setting timers and alarms, checking the weather, managing to-do & shopping lists, managing house instruments, and several other things by just using your voice. Other features include:
1. It can play songs and connect to external speakers or headphones.
2. Capable of making calls and messaging on voice commands.
3. It has around 6-7 microphones and sound cancellation.
4. Controls are compatible with smart home devices like lights, plugs, and more.
Amazon Dash button
The amazon dash button is a goofy little smart home object. It is a device that connects over internet Wi-Fi and ensures that the user does not lack essential household items like grocery materials, soft drinks, medical supplies and personal care items. The amazon dash button also has features, as mentioned below.
1. It allows the users to order products quickly
2. It allows user to reorder from popular brands
3. It does not accept fresh orders if the prior order is not complete
4. It is a reliable and good IoT product that makes the user’s lifestyle simple and easy.
August doorbell cam
With the rise of smart doorbell cams, companies are adding more features and making them even smarter, and August did exactly that. Their doorbell cam allows you to answer your door from any location. In addition, it constantly checks your doors and captures motion changes on your doorstep. But this is not all. Here are some more features of it:
1. It Pairs with all August Smart Locks to easily let guests into your home.
2. The integrated flood light delivers clear, full-color HD video.
3. Monitors your doorstep and captures all motion alerts.
4. Records video 24/7 for free.
5. Comes with a speedy and hassle-free installation process.
August smart lock
The smart lock from August allows the user to manage their doors from any location without any. It helps the user to keep robbers away. It is one of the most reliable IoT smart locks. You can pair the August smart lock with their doorbell cam to let guests into your home easily. Here are some more crazy features of the August smart lock:
1. The user is aware of each person entering their home.
2. No fear of stolen keys as it provides unlimited digital keys
3. Gives the status updates of your door on whether it is closed properly.
4. It has an auto-unlock feature that opens the door when the user arrives.
5. Easy installation and is compatible with most single-cylinder bolts.
Kuri mobile robot
The Kuri mobile robot is specifically designed for entertainment as it interacts with the users and captures moments around the house daily. It is one of the most popular home robots; some of the mind-boggling features of this little dude include:
1 Has capacitive touch sensors and an HD camera.
2. Integrated with microphones and gestural mechanics.
3. It has in-built lights and speakers.
4. Includes integrated mapping sensors and drive system.
5. It has a good processor and a smooth charging pad.
Belkin WeMo smart light switch
Out of many in the market, the WeMo smart switches are very popular. They let you manage your the lights in your home from the wall, your mobile, or by simply using your voice. It uses Wi-Fi as a protocol to communicate with your phone and give wireless access to your lights – with no hub or subscription required. Here are some more amazing features of the Belkin WeMo smart light switch:
1. No screws are required as it comes with a clip-on faceplate.
2. Push anywhere to toggle easily on/off.
3. Night light and Wi-Fi indicators are available.
4. Power restart and Wi-Fi reset are available.
5. It has a simple and quick installation.
FootBot air quality monitor
As the name suggests, FootBot measures indoor pollution and improveS air quality in houses, workplaces, and indoor public spaces by giving accurate results. Here are some features of FootBot:
1. Cleans air pollution.
2. Keeps temperature levels in check.
3. It reportedly supports increasing the lifespan of the users.
4. It has an extremely simple and fast installation process.
Plum labs’ air pollution monitor
While we are on air pollution, here is Flow, an air pollution monitor from Plum Labs. Unlike the previous IoT device – FootBot, Flow is a personal air quality tracker that keeps the user updated about areas the air quality is bad and polluted. Flow shows these results in a map available in its app. Here are five more epic features of Flow:
1. Tells the user about air quality.
2. It Has a stainless steel body and a vegan leather strap.
3. Has capacitive touch on its body.
4. Has good quality RGB LEDs.
5. It has an extremely simple installation process.
Nest smoke alarm
The Nest smoke alarm is a beneficial IoT device that thinks, speaks, and alerts your mobile phone about unwanted emergencies in your home. The best part is that it automatically tests itself. Here are some features of the Nest smoke alarm:
1. The user can manage this alarm using their phone.
2. Installation is quick and can be set up through ios or Android devices.
3. It has a very minimalistic and clean appearance.
4. It also has specific colors like green, yellow, and red to communicate with a user according to the situation.
Philips Hue bulbs and lights
Philps, a hue lighting system, is one of the most used and well-known smart lighting fixtures of all time. It is a personal wireless lighting system that allows you to control your light and create the right ambiance for every possible moment. Even though they are on the pricier side, they are a complete bang for the buck as they include the features mentioned below:
1. Available with away-from-home control.
2. Light schedules and comfort dimming.
3. Create your own custom ambiance.
4. Sync lights with music and movies.
Ring Doorbell
Ring Doorbell is a cheap and extremely popular alternative for an August Doorbell cam. It allows the user to answer the door from anywhere using their smartphones. You can protect your home using security cameras provided by Ring video doorbells. Other noted features of Ring Doorbell include:
1. Provides Double-Clad Home Network Security to users.
2. It Comes with night vision and interchangeable faceplates.
3. Has a rechargeable battery with high performance.
WeMo smart plug
The WeMo smart plug is an excellent IoT product that helps to turn on your lights and appliances. These smart plugs also provide the ability to monitor them from anywhere. Here are some other noteworthy features:
1. Get insight into energy usage in your home.
2. It is easy to install and use.
3. It can create schedules and receive notifications.
4. The app is compatible with both IOS and Android devices.
5. You can integrate it with Alexa or Google voice for hands-free control.
NETGEAR mesh Wi-Fi system
It is a super powerful IoT device that maintains the whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system and can cover the whole house with fast WI-FI. It can also work with the existing internet service provider. Here are some extreme features of the NETGEAR mesh Wi-Fi system:
1. Allows pausing Wi-Fi to do a quick status check.
2. Eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones and buffering.
3. Provides excellent-speed Wi-Fi even if many devices are connected.
Bitdefender BOX IoT security solution
The Bitdefender Box is an essential and powerful IoT device. It is basically a Smart Home Cybersecurity Hub that prevents Internet-connected devices from stolen passwords, identity theft, spying, malware, etc. Other features of this amazing security system include the following.
1. Bitdefender provides Double-Clad Home Network Security to users.
2. It Comes with a high-performance ratio.
3. Comes with a feature of parental control.
4. Bitdefender is packed with award-winning technology.
There are millions of IoT devices worldwide, and we cannot cover all of them. In fact, thousands of companies are researching and developing thousands of IoT devices as you read this article.
However, you can read our other article, where we covered some of the most common examples of IoT devices. In that article, we discuss various use case scenarios and domain IoT devices in use today. So what are you waiting for? Head on there and continue your journey of gaining knowledge on IoT devices.
Summary
Today, in this article, you have learned what an IoT device is and seen 15 fantastic and mind-boggling examples of IoT devices.