Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that are connected to the internet, enabling them to communicate with each other and exchange data. This technology has the potential to transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. In this article, we will explore the various IoT devices and applications that are currently available and how they are changing the world.

Types of IoT Devices

IoT devices can be categorized into three types: sensors, actuators, and controllers.

Sensors are devices that collect data from the environment, such as temperature, humidity, light, and motion. Some examples of sensors include temperature sensors, motion sensors, and gas sensors. These devices are often small and low-cost, making them ideal for use in large-scale deployments.

Actuators are devices that act on the environment, such as turning on a light, opening a door, or starting a motor. Some examples of actuators include motors, relays, and solenoids. These devices are often used in industrial applications where precise control is required.

Controllers are devices that manage the communication between sensors and actuators. They are responsible for processing data from sensors and sending commands to actuators. Some examples of controllers include microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and gateways. These devices are often used in complex IoT deployments.

5 Major IoT Applications

IoT technology has a wide range of applications across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and smart cities. Here are some examples of IoT applications:

1. Smart Homes

Smart homes are homes that are equipped with IoT devices that allow homeowners to control various aspects of their home remotely. For example, homeowners can use their smartphones to turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, or lock the doors. Smart homes can also include security systems that use cameras and sensors to detect intruders and alert homeowners.

2. Healthcare

IoT technology is transforming the healthcare industry by enabling remote monitoring of patients. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, can collect data on a patient’s vital signs and send it to healthcare providers in real-time. This allows healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely and detect health issues before they become serious.

3. Manufacturing

IoT technology is being used in manufacturing to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, sensors can be placed on manufacturing equipment to collect data on performance and predict maintenance needs. This allows manufacturers to schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

4. Transportation

IoT technology is being used in transportation to improve safety and efficiency. For example, sensors can be placed on vehicles to collect data on driving behavior and send alerts to drivers when they are driving recklessly. IoT technology can also be used to optimize routes, reducing travel time and fuel consumption.

5. Smart Cities

Smart cities are cities that use IoT technology to improve the quality of life for residents. For example, sensors can be placed throughout a city to collect data on traffic flow, air quality, and noise levels. This data from the IoT devices can be used to monitor and manage city infrastructure such as traffic lights, streetlights, and waste management systems.

Benefits of IoT Applications

Benefits of IoT Devices and Applications: IoT devices and applications offer a range of benefits, including:

1. Greater Convenience: IoT devices and applications can make our lives more convenient by allowing us to control our homes, track our fitness, and perform other tasks from anywhere.
2. Improved Efficiency: IoT devices and applications can improve efficiency by automating tasks and optimizing processes in industrial settings, logistics centers, and other environments.
3. Enhanced Productivity: IoT devices and applications can enhance productivity by providing workers with real-time data, insights, and recommendations.
4. Cost Savings: IoT devices and applications can help to reduce costs by improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and optimizing resources.

IoT devices and applications have the potential to transform the way we live and work, offering greater convenience, efficiency, and productivity across a range of industries. As the number of connected devices continues to grow, it is important for individuals and organizations to understand the benefits and risks associated with IoT technology.

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Airpods 2 is still in the sale even after the release of Airpods 3. On the other hand, there is the Airpods pro in sales too. The interesting part is the price for Airpods 3 is in between the Airpods 2 & Airpods pro. It is obvious that the price of Airpods pro is much more expensive than both the Airpods 2 & Airpods 3 but the features are exclusive too.

So, if the consumers are up for the exclusive Airpods experience, they will go for the Airpods Pro. Whereas, those who want to save a bit of money & still go for an Apple product, have the option of Airpods 2. End of the day, Airpods 3 is in between and losing sales. Thus, making a well-balanced product Airpods 3 is a failure.

Apparently, there is a big possibility that Apple will discontinue the Airpods Pro before releasing the Airpods Pro 2. It is very important for Apple that, they learn from the mistakes & don’t make the same mistakes over & over again. Though Airpods 3 is a failure for Apple, it taught a good lesson for all the other high rollers in the market.

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Firmware V1.0.9.42 Is The New Beginning

Since quite a few updates were released for the Mi Band 4 but the bug fixing was going nowhere. As one update caused some problems with the charging. Mi urgently published another firmware to solve that bug. Not much was offered for the users except small bug fixing. But at the beginning of April of 2020, they suddenly came up with an update for the Mi Fit App. This version came up with another firmware update V1.0.9.42 with some lights of hope.

For the first time, it introduced the feature to unlock or lock your PC by using your smart band without having to install a third-party app on your smartphones. This feature is still possible only with the Windows 10 PCs. And not yet released for the world market except India.

Log in using Apple ID is also possible from now on for the first time. The update also comes with some minor bug-fixes for Mi Band 4. But heart rate data sharing from Mi Band 4 was not possible.

Latest Firmware V1.0.9.48 For Mi Band 4

Since long Mi Band users were not able to share the heart rate data with any other devices or applications. Whereas band 3 had the feature previously. But Xiaomi stopped the feature suddenly for an unknown reason.

But the latest firmware update for the mi band 4 which is V1.0.9.48 brought really great news for the band 4 users. Now heart rate data sharing from Mi Band 4 to other devices or applications are possible. This update brings a redesigned display setting for the Mi Fit app on the mobile. And the users will be able to rate the watch faces in the store.

Mi Band 4 users can now enjoy this feature in India and Vietnam for now. But gradually across the globe, all the countries will receive this update. This update will offer additional use for health and fitness records. Now users will not be bound to use only the Mi Fit app and can choose the suitable app as per their fits. iPhone users can even integrate the band with the Apple health app after this upgrade.

Early February, an image of the Samsung Galaxy A11’s back panel was visualized. That revealed a triple camera setup. All those cameras were in the upper-left corner aligned vertically. Yesterday, another press render leaked. It gave us our closest look at the Galaxy A11. It also revealed a few more bits about it. We can now guess a much clearer picture of what’s coming out with Galaxy A11.

Cameras of Samsung Galaxy A11

The leaked image reveals that Galaxy A11 will come with a display having a punch hole in the top-left corner. For selfie, there could be an 8MP front camera. Around the back, we already knew it will have a triple camera setup with a 13MP primary camera. That 13MP camera will be one of three rear cameras, but the specifications of the other two cameras are not known yet. These modules may find themselves in a polycarbonate shell. That will also house the device’s fingerprint sensor.

Display, Memory and Battery

There are a couple of recent leaks with information about the Galaxy A11. The information source also shared some specifications, claiming the device will feature a 6.4-inch LCD Display. From previous rumors, we know the Galaxy A11 will have a built-in storage of 128 GB. The Galaxy A11 passed through FCC last month and revealed that it will have a 4,000 mAh battery.

Fingerprint Sensor and the Jacks

But this time, we can see an oval-shaped fingerprint reader on the back panel. The biggest change from the A10 to the A11 is the apparent inclusion of that fingerprint sensor on the back panel. We can’t tell from the images if the A11 will have a USB Type-C port or a micro USB port like Galaxy A10.

You can also see the power button and volume rocker placed on the right side of the phone, with the 3.5mm headphone jack at the top.

Release to the Market

Samsung is yet to reveal pricing or availability for the Galaxy A11. As mentioned last month, the Samsung Galaxy A11 is going to be making its way over to the US. However, at this point, we are unsure of when that will happen. Also, the price is yet to be revealed.

Considering the Galaxy A11 is a budget smartphone, we could see it launching on several prepaid carriers and MVNOs in the US. Like Boost Mobile, Cricket or even MetroPCS. Considering the Galaxy A10e (which was a very slightly altered version of the Galaxy A10) was available on Cricket, Verizon, Metro PCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. We wouldn’t be too surprised to see the same happen for the Galaxy A11.

The Galaxy A10 was the best selling Android smartphone of 2019 in the US, so the successor supposed to be just as successful.

From the beginning of 2020, world business is literally shaking by the effect of the Corona Virus. As the world heavily involved in China for many products and materials. In the technological world also it is really a struggling time. Apple already expecting the sales cut this year. The GSMA canceled MWC 2020 and left Barcellona with a lot of problems and cut off the business.

Corona Virus Affected a Worker in Gumi

In this time of struggle, the world is generating more bad news. Now news coming out of South Korea tells us that Samsung has shut down a smartphone plant in Gumi. As Coronavirus infected an employee in that manufacturing unit.

This factory in Korea, where Samsung manufactures Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, will remain shut until February 24. But the access to the floor where the employee worked will be off the limits until February 25. As company will check and quarantine the whole place before letting anyone go there.

Samsung in a news release informed that all its employees who were in contact with the infected worker are placed in a self-quarantine. Also, it took steps to have them tested for possible Corona Virus infection. And Samsung declared they had adequate preparation to handle this situation. Galaxy Z Flip Manufacturing will resume soon too.

Though the shutdown of the factory in Gumi (Korea) is unlikely to have any major impact on Samsung’s smartphone manufacturing. It actually accounts for a small portion of its total smartphone production. But in the long run the impact of Corona Virus is already obvious. Accessories business dependent on China is already facing a huge barrier. Coronavirus outbreak will affect accessories supply and the world will have to wait to get their desired accessories for the new phone.

This update might introduce even in the next update to iOS 14. Users will get the chance to select third-party apps as default apps. This will ensure the freedom for the users. That freedom was not there for long. After a lot of criticism Apple finally thinking about to change the situation. Some of our sources confirmed this news from Apple inside. But Apple did not publish anything confirming that yet.

With iOS, Apple may also open up its HomePod speaker to third-party music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. Apple had to face a lot of criticism and even lawsuit also. The company has long been scrutinized for locking in its native apps as default without giving users the ability to change the default app on the iPhone.

Music streaming company Spotify even filed a complaint with the European Commission last year. They complain about Apple’s anti-competitive practices while operating the App services. Instead of trying to make their products better than the competition, they just pushing their products by using the unfair advantage of their platform. Apple also faced charges by the US House of Representatives antitrust panel in a hearing last year.

Late is better than never. If Apple decides to free the Apps for the competitive environment based on quality, It will be really great news for the existing and the new iPhone and iPad users. For many users, It could be another reason for using Apple Phones.

We learned from the source that, this year’s S-Pen, included with this fold 2 will be a completely new version. Some modifications will happen anyway since the folded display will be more sensitive than the regular displays. Even it is not really clear about the material Samsung using this year for the display. They might go with the UTG display or keep the plastic one from the old Galaxy Fold. And the digital pen will synchronize with display accordingly.

Our source also confirmed Samsung might keep the same or somewhat similar specs as the S20+ – 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide and a 3D ToF sensor to aid them all. Interestingly, the small display on the outer shell of the phone will have an Infinity-V panel. Which is just a minimalist notch. While the main display of this phone will go for either a punch-hole design or an under-screen camera.

Either way this Galaxy Fold 2 with S Pen will make a huge difference to the market. The only prayer is that Samsung don’t frustrate us like the first Galaxy Fold model. Though this technology for the bent display is still in the beginning. But it might be the next business. Quite a few folded or bent display models are coming to the market this year. So, the competition will be tight.

Once we got the information on this amazing phone we started wondering how this phone is different from the phones of this era. Also how it brings back the memory and mix the modern specs also an interesting question. We will go through all the details.

The design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is something really astonishing. When folded, it is far more compact than any modern smartphone. Which is making it far more pocketable and portable. Though, the need for an external display over the top of this type of phone is crucial. Bringing back memories of a decade ago, the external screen lets you check who is calling, see missed notifications and even shoot photos although that last bit is a little challenging.

The opening and closing actions of the flipped version is cool. But you have to put more force than the average flip phone from the last decade. It will take some practice to flip it in a single move. You will need to cock your wrist back as you need to break the magnetic seal between the two halves and then flick your wrist forward with just enough force to get the hinge to reach the fully open position.

The external screen of Galaxy Z Flip is behind the reflective piece of glass over the top. At first glance much chance that you might miss it. Interestingly, it even supports swiping gestures. So you can even do stuff such as switching cameras.

Though the external screen sounds so promising in theory, in reality it is just a slim screen, so this small viewfinder is only going to help you make sure your faces are in the camera frame. Another fact is, using this very slim screen you are trying to capture a square aspect ratio photo. So framing is never going to be ideal. Let’s see if Samsung updates these features with any software update later on to support the functions.

Another problem, since you have to flip the phone every time to open to see the full viewfinder, you might find yourself slowing down to take a shot every once in a while. As that extra step to open up the camera, slows down the process. But there is that feature if you double-tap the power button before you open the screen, you can save some time off.

As expected you can use that external screen to see all the incoming notifications and follow accordingly. You can check your SMS or call notifications here. You can just clock and follow this notification with the corresponding app. Also, when playing music, you can access music controls from the external screen. So you will not have to open the phone to change a track.

Like the many other phones of Samsung, the Galaxy Z Flip also has an always-on display. But that won’t work on the external screen. It will only work while the phone is flipped open. But it will show on the external screen when connected to the charger.

The Galaxy Z Flip has some unique benefits because of it’s flipping structure. It can take a selfie without a stand. As half folded phone acts like a stand itself. Also, the V-shaped flipped phone can be used to make video calls or video recordings as it can stand on that v.

Flex Mode is not supported by many apps at the moment. You might find the Gallery, Camera, and Google Duo useful based on your purpose. The Google duo is probably the most useful. You can easily prop up the phone on a desk or table. Thus, you can use video calls completely hands-free. You can also place the Galaxy Z Flip up for a high-quality hands-free selfie video. You can even scroll through your Gallery’s photos while keeping the phone half folded.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip in brief

The Galaxy Z Flip is so unique with its design and the combination of the old and new tech. You can flip like the old days and enjoy all this latest camera and display features. But it seems, there could be much more in the external screens as it created the scope of many more options.

Overall, the first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip are not bad at all. The flipped version for a bigger display and the external display both are impressive.

MWC 2020 is without any argument tech’s most important trade show. But many of the tech giants started to pull out from the event after the widespread alarm of Wuhan coronavirus outbreak terrorized the whole world. Major tech giants including LG & GTE, Facebook, AT&T, Nokia, and Cisco began pulling out of the show. Yet there were thousands of other smaller mobile manufacturing companies that wished to show off their new wares, get press coverage, and hopefully sign some sales deals from this event.

Though the bigger companies already planned and declared their individual showcasing programs. But the smaller companies will suffer a big blow for missing the opportunity to attend such a big program. Host city Barcelona will suffer more. This cancellation of the Mobile World Congress is devastating for them.

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain. It has a population of around five million. Every year in February, the city depends on the Mobile World Congress to deliver a positive economic boost. And generally, that goes far beyond the facility the trade show is housed in. This show attracts more than 100,000 people to the city. They spend money on eating out, going on tours, hotel rooms, and many other things that stimulate the local economy at every level.

Impact of MWC Cancellation on Barcelona

According to Bloomberg, here’s what Barcelona will lose out on with the cancellation of this year’s MWC:

• More than 100,000 visitors who normally spend money on shelter, eating out, and other economic activities,
• In total, those visitors spent $513 million during MWC 2019 alone—that’s half a billion dollars Barcelona’s economy is going to lose out on this year.
• Hotels will be one of the worst sufferers, considering the cancellations that are likely going on at this moment. Historically during MWC, Barcelona’s all of 430+ hotels are fully booked.
• Moreover, that spend by visitors was creating almost 14,000 temporary jobs for Barcelona in 2019. The need for these jobs will no longer be there now.
• Impact on Transportations like ride-sharing and taxi jobs are also huge. Bloomberg says a local taxi firm has already suspended plans to add another 1,500 drivers during the event.

Obviously, there is always next. This means this city will get the chance to host again next year. But for the city who very much rely on such events for the livelihood of many, next year is too far. Mobile World Congress is Cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak of Wuhan, but Barcelona and thousands of smaller tech companies are paying a high price for that.

That news is according to the sources speaking to Fast Company. They could confirm that Apple wants to build its own 5G antenna rather than relying on the Qualcomm equivalent. Apple thinks it will be able to make the phone thinner as a result.

Apple also trying to reduce its dependence on third-party component developers from last year. The tech giant already develops its own processor chipsets for the iPhone with the A13 Bionic chip fitted inside the iPhone 11 range of handsets.

Challenges for Custom-made Apple 5G antenna

There are other risks of making its Custom-made Apple 5G antenna. As the custom-made Apple antenna, it fitted inside the iPhone 4 caused some users having problems with the network to receive calls. Another fact with the latest 5G tech, it is really important for Apple to make it right the first time.

Based on the report from Fast Company, Qualcomm’s antennas (QTM 525 mmWave) is too big for Apple’s slim industrial design they planned for the next model. Though, Apple yet not finalized that it will actually use its own 5G antenna for the 5G iPhones of 2020.

Apple doesn’t want to go with the Qualcomm antenna for two possible reasons. Qualcomm’s thick antenna would result in a thicker iPhone than Apple wants and also Apple will have to pay more royalties to Qualcomm if it uses those parts from Qualcomm.

As a result, Apple is working on the 5G antenna design for two possible outcomes – whether it goes with Qualcomm’s QTM 525 for a thicker iPhone or Apple’s own design for the slimmer model.

How Custom-made Apple 5G Antenna Would Work

A custom-made Apple 5G antenna would use a “phased array” antenna that uses two parts to form a signal beam. This beam would be able to be steered electronically. The challenge with creating a 5G antenna for mmWave is that they are more difficult to design due to the higher frequencies. And also there are tighter tolerances for manufacturing.

Time will say how Apple decides to go forward. But either way, Apple will not want to make any mistake while entering the new 5G technology market. So, they are super careful about every approach they make on this.