Electronic companies are launching different smart technologies here in Singapore and the whole world in their attempt to broaden the internet-connectedness of homes. In fact, Samsung recently announced that they will release smart refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners. The new appliances will feature Samsung’s own operating system.

The tech is ploughing the field for the so-called Internet of Things known also as IoT. The world’s top mobile phone maker is planning to make its new products internet-connected by the end of 2020. This is in preparation to welcome IoT which is synonymous to future growth. At this juncture, we need to know what this IoT signifies and how it can affect our lives in general.

Here are some things that you need to know about the Internet of Things:

• The concept behind it: IoT refers to the interconnection of devices within the internet infrastructure. In essence, IoT offers advance connectivity between systems, services and devices that transcends beyond Machine-to-machine Communications (M2M). IoT is expected to lead automation in all fields.

• Applications: IoT is used in different things. For example, IoT can be used for monitoring heart implants, automobiles, biochip transporders and many more. According to Gartner, Inc – a research and advisory corporation, by the end of 2020, there will be at least twenty six billion devices on IoT. On the other hand, ABI Research pegged that at least thirty billion devices will be connected to IoT by 2020.If we look at the statistics, it only shows us that by the end of 2020, there will be tons of applications that utilizes IoT. The applications are utilized in the field of media, infrastructure management, environmental monitoring, manufacturing, medical and healthcare systems, energy management, transportation, building and home automation and large scale deployments.

• Controversies: Many technology experts firmly believe that IoT is a step towards a world that is better and more advanced. However, there are people who have doubts about IoT. For example, philosophers say that technology already influence our decision-making, which compromises privacy, autonomy and control. Other controversies include user content, anonymity and freedom of choice. It can also compromise security and eventually the environment.

Now we know about Internet of Things. With this, we know how we live every day. The important thing here is we understand its concept and explain it to others who do not understand. We are surrounded by IoT without us knowing so it is imperative that we spend time learning about it. We will not get confused next time.

You often hear nanotechnology in sci-fi movies but these days, nanotechnology is so real that you can almost reach it. When you hear about nanotechnology, it refers to the manipulation of matter. The manipulation can be molecular or atomic. Singaporean scientists have their own share of nanotechnology. In fact, Singapore signed a cooperation deal with South Korea and Russia to develop nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is very broad that it transcends to other fields like chemistry, biology, physics and many more. There are scientists that are excited of the limitless possibilities of nanotechnology. If you want to know about the applications of nanotechnology, you can start here:

• Cosmetics: Sunscreen and other cosmetics are partly made of titanium dioxide which is considered as a nanomaterial.
• Food products: Nanomaterials are also found in some food products like gecko tape and the silver for packing food.
• Home improvement: Nanomaterials are best friends of people who plan to improve their house. For example, surface coatings, varnishes and paints are made of nanomaterials.

• Sports: It does not end there. Nanomaterials are also seen in tennis, golf and bowling balls. It will make the balls fly straight and it can last long.
• Automotive: In the automotive industry, cars are made with nanomaterials. Cars these days need only few metals and fuel to run.
• Video games: If you want to play inside the house, nanotechnology will make your experience worthwhile.  With the help of nanomaterials, personal computers and video consoles will become faster and cheaper.

Of course, there are always two sides of a coin. While there are scientists that continue to develop nanotechnology, there are others that relentlessly go against it. These scientists are only concerned about its implications.