The Internet Of Things

What is the internet of things Imagine a world where objects from kettles to cars share information with you over the web. It's happening right now and it's going to change everything...

Back in the mists of time (okay, 1991) the world wide web turned desktop computers around the globe into windows on a dizzying world of information. A decade later, the smartphone made the web mobile and more or less banished eye contact between humans. And now we're crossing the threshold of the next evolution of the digital age.

The Internet of Things (loT) is a catch-all title fora growing trend to make previously 'dumb' objects (domestic appliances, cars, cities and so on) 'smart' by equipping them with internet-connected sensors that enable them to 'talk' to their human overlords — and, as the concept catches on, to one another. If that all sounds a bit Skynet, don't worry. loT is about making life easier. What's more, you may well be using it already without even realising.

Fit for purpose

If you wear a fitness band such as Fitbit Flex and Garmin vivofit, you're an loT initiate already. That smart wearable is monitoring your activity and sharing it with the web to help you shape a personalised exercise regime. Man's best friend is getting in on the act too with Whistle— a smart tag for dogs that will track your mutt's location, activity and rests.

Home is where the hub is

The home is where a lot of loT applications are happening. Smart Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats like Nest and Tado can be retrofitted, giving you remote control of your central heating via smartphone. Cleverly, they learn your usage 'style' and adjust over time, saving you money. Or how about smart lighting systems such as Philips' hue that let you turn on your lights asyou near home and adjust the bulbs' individual colours to suit your mood. Some loT ideas are hit and miss—does anyone need to turn their kettle on from down the street? — but for every duff one there's a bunch that just make sense.

Limitless potential

The most high-profile loT development to date is the driverless car, with the likes of Google and Mercedes road-testing vehicles that will be autonomous to varying degrees. loT-enhanced models are set to be available next year. At the largest scale, entire cities—such as Santander in Spain — are getting smart, with thousands of sensors informing residents in real time about everything from roadworks to parking spaces. Exciting, but only time will tell whether the loT will simplify our lives or usher in an age of information overload...

Smart Living, Some IoT Devices

Control your lights, heating and more when you're home and while you're away with these WeMo smart gadgets
Holidays and weekends away are great but they also come with the worry of leaving your house unattended. Happily, thanks to the internet and Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices like this range from WeMo, there are now easy ways to protect your home and keep an eye on things while you're away. Or just enjoy the benefits of smart control without leaving the comfort of the sofa...

WEMO' Led lighting starter kit

This kit gives you everything you need to fit your home with a smart lighting system that's controllable over the web using your tablet or smartphone. It contains two programmable LED bulbs and the WeMo Link that plugs into a socket and wirelessly links the bulbs to your Wi-Fi router. Simply download the free app to your smartphone or tablet and you're good to go. Dim them to create a casual ambience when you're at home, or turn them on remotely while you're away. You're not restricted to just two smart bulbs, either—you can connect up to 50 bulbs to a single WeMo Link for smart lighting throughout the home.

WEMO Insight home automation switch

This connects appliances and electronic devices like heaters, TVs, lights, fans and washing machines to your Wi-Fi network so that you can turn them on or off, get programme notifications and change the device's status remotely. It even tells you how much electricity you're using so you don't waste money.

WEMO HD WI-FI Camera with night vision

Worried about Mr Mittens the cat tearing up the carpet or your teenagers
throwing a secret party while you're out? Worry no longer. This WeMo HD NetCam lets you see what's happening in your home remotely using your iOS or Android device. It's equipped with night vision, so you can monitor dark rooms, and check on the baby sleeping while you're downstairs. Email notifications can also be set up to alert you to unusual movement. A non-HD version is also available.

Remote access from anywhere

The WeMo app puts the ability to control your appliances in the palm of your hand. Download it to your smartphone or tablet and you can turn your electronics on or off, monitor them from anywhere you have an internet connection, and feel secure.

"The Fitbit Charge is a great fitness tracker, fulfilling everything you need from such a device in as unobtrusive, accurate and reliable way as possible" WAP

Fitbit Charge- Activity Tracker

From taking a dip in the hotel pool to escaping the office for a lunchtime run, summer was made for finding your fitness mojo again. The Fitbit Charge makes it easy to stay motivated by tracking your activity all day—steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned and minutes active. With real-time updates you can check your progress whenever you want on the Charge's clear OLED display. Want more detail? The Fitbit Charge syncs wirelessly with your smartphone, giving you detailed activity graphs and charts, as well as loads of opportunities for you and your friends to compare and compete.

Monster iSport Bluetooth Headphones

Enjoy a tangle-free workout with these sport-engineered, wireless in-ear 'phones

What is it?

Whether you're training fora 10k or showing the rowing machine who's boss, filling your ears with motivating music while you workout can make all the difference between notching a personal best or hitting the wall. Built for active lifestyles, Monster's iSport Bluetooth Headphones give you exceptional audio quality while taking the rigours of physical activity in their stride.

Why should I be excited?

When you're exercising hard, few things are more irritating than your earbuds shaking loose and falling out. The iSport's have patented SportClips that fit snugly into the curve of your inner ear, keeping the earbuds firmly in place during the most vigorous workout. They're water-resistant too, so they'll endure even the most grueling and sweat-soaked workouts.

What's the best bit?

With AptX and AAC audio tech inside, these buds deliver exceptional sound quality without a tangle-prone wire tethering you to your Bluetooth-compatible music device. With a 30-foot range, they give you the freedom to move from machine to machine at the gym and sound every bit as good as wired headphones, while ControlTalk lets you take calls and play music hands-free.

Lung-distance running

With the Monster iSport's you con listen to music at o range of up to 3o feet from your smartphone or MP3 player and keep streaming for up to five hours.