Recent trends in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a hot topic in the present tech-driven world. A strong framework of cloud computing, backed up by a seamless blending of sensors and actuators with the environment around us, is making this “network of networks of autonomous objects” a reality. From smart wearables to smart cities, from domestic life to industries, the IoT is expanding itself to different areas. According to Gartner Inc., the IoT will include 26 billion units installed by 2020. Smart security solutions, smart home automation, smart health care, smart wearables etc. are in-trend applications of IoT, and by the near future we expect to see its application to a city's transportation system or smart power grids. This paper presents a brief overview on different trends of the IoT and also discusses about the effects of the IoT on our day-to-day life. It also discusses the importance of cloud computing, autonomous control, artificial intelligence in the context of the IoT. Lastly, it's concluded with the need of synchronization of the Internet, wireless sensors and actuators and distributed computing for successfully enabling technologies for the IoT.