We need to prepare for the Internet of Things
The reading
A top technology analyst has warned that the world might not yet be ready for what is called the Internet of Things. This is the next stage of the digital and technological revolution. It will greatly transform our lives via the interconnectedness of all the devices, services and appliances we use in our daily life. The technology research company Gartner predicts that by 2020, nearly 26 billion devices will be on the Internet of Things. All of these things will communicate with each other to make even simple decisions, like ordering a new carton of milk, a seamless experience. The fridge will simply contact the delivery service when it senses stocks need replenishing, and hey presto – no need to go shopping.
Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)
The ComputerWorld magazine says that while the Internet of Things has, "the potential to drive fundamental economic and social change," there are "serious obstacles" to ensuring the infrastructure of this technological revolution is in place in time. These include the building of new data storage centres, data storage and management and data security. Gib Sorebo, a cyber-security expert, warns of the unforeseen. He says "the law of unintended consequences" on the Internet could pose problems with the explosion in the number of connected devices. He predicts that privacy will become a primary concern because of the huge number of things in our daily life that will be connected to the Internet.
Sources:
- http://www.computerworlduk.com/sponsored-article/it-business/3609481/preparing-for-the-internet-of-things/
- http://www.scmagazine.com/gib-sorebo-gives-talks-at-rsa-conference/article/410943/
- http://allafrica.com/stories/201504240262.html
