(AFM) which is used to manipulate the placement
and position of individual atoms and molecules on
the surface of a substrate is also a MEMS device.
In fact, a variety of MEMS technologies are required
in order to interface with the nano-scale domain.
Internet of Things (IoT) - Norton-Steve
Symantec
The internet landscape is burgeoning. It’s not
just about computers, laptops, tablets, and
smartphones anymore. Now a multitude of devices
are internet-connected. The list of “smart” devices
includes washing machines, robotic vacuum
cleaners, door locks, toys, and toasters. The
Internet of Things is the umbrella term — and, yes,
you can now buy a smart umbrella — for anything
that connects to the internet.
(a) By 2025, it is estimated that there will be
more than to 21 billion IoT devices
A quick look back shows where IoT devices are
going. Consider: In 2016, there were more than
4.7 billion things connected to the internet,
according to IOT Analytics. Fast-forward to
2021? The market will increase to nearly 11.6
billion IoT devices.
(b) More cities will become “smart”
Consumers won’t be the only ones using IoT
devices. Cities and companies will increasingly
adopt smart technologies to save time and
money.
That means cities will be able to automate,
remotely manage, and collect data through things
like visitor kiosks, video camera surveillance
systems, bike rental stations, and taxis.
(c) Artificial intelligence will continue to become
a bigger thing
Smart home hubs, thermostats, lighting
systems, and even coffee makers collect data
on your habits and patterns of usage. When
you set up voice-controlled devices, you allow
them to record what you say to them and store
those recordings in the cloud. In most cases,
the data is collected to help facilitate what is
called machine learning.
Machine learning is a type of artificial
intelligence that helps computers “learn”
without someone having to programme
them. The computers are programmed in a
way that focuses on data that they receive.
This new data can then help the machine
“learn” what your preferences are and adjust
itself accordingly. For instance, when a video
website suggests a movie you might like, it’s
likely learned your preferences based on your
past choices.
(d) 5G Networks will continue to fuel IoT growth
Major wireless carriers will continue to roll out
fifth-generation (5G) networks in 2019. 5G
promises greater speed and the ability connect
more smart devices at the same time.
Faster net works mean the dat a
accumulated by your smart devices will be
gathered, analysed and managed to a higher
degree. That will fuel innovation at companies
that make IoT devices and boost consumer
demand for new products.
(e) Cars will get even smarter
The arrival of 5G will shift the auto industry into
a higher gear. The development of driverless
cars — as well as the connected vehicles
already on the road — will benefit from data
moving faster.
You might not think of your car as an
Internet of Things device. But new cars will
increasingly analyse your data and connect
with other IoT devices — including other high-
tech vehicles on four wheels.
(f) 5G’s arrival will also open the door to new
privacy and security concerns
In time, more 5G IoT devices will connect
directly to the 5G network than via a Wi-Fi
router. This trend will make those devices
more vulnerable to direct attack, according to
a recent Symantec blog post.
For home users, it will become more
difficult to monitor all IoT devices, because
they will bypass a central router.
On a broader scale, the increased reliance
on cloud-based storage will give attackers new
targets to attempt to breach.
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