You and The Internet of Things

Welcome to Episode 6, the final (episode (for now) of You and the Internet of Things. In this episode I wrap things up by covering a few key principles that will help you navigate the world of the IoT as a home user.  From enlisting the professionals, to checking product specifications to choosing an integrated ecosystem of products, these principles will make your experience easier and simpler. 

There are many more tips, ideas, and resources in my book You and the Internet of Things, A practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life (Self-Counsel Press 2020). I thank my publisher for agreeing to release some of the book's content via this podcast, and I thank my guests who so generously gave of their time. 

In this episode I chat with cookbook author, food blogger, and social media maven Rebecca Coleman about choosing an IoT ecosystem. What are the benefits of choosing Apple HomePod versus Google Home versus The Amazon suite of smart, connected devices? What about agnostic systems? What should you consider if you want ease of set-up, installation and maintenance? Coleman also lets us in on the way she uses smart technology to help her write cookbooks and make all kinds of deliciousness in the kitchen. 

In this episode I cover what it is that makes smart technology so smart. What differentiates a smart, connected device from simply a connected one? I talk about the three core elements that define the smart, connected devices we include under the umbrella of the IoT, and the four areas of function and capability they include. 

This episode addresses the very real and considerable privacy and security concerns related to IoT networks. John Biehler, tech journalist and editorial producer for GetConnected Media weighs in with his insights and advice for attempting to keep networks secure and safeguarding personal privacy. We talk about data collection and storage, system vulnerabilities, and the need for (and absence of) industry standards and protocols.He gives us some of his best advice. 

In Episode 2 of You and the Internet of Things, I talk with Rob Richardson, country manager for Arlo Technologies Canada about the infrastructure needed to support your in-home smart network. We discuss the evolution of whole-home wifi, routers, range extenders, and mesh networks. We look at dual-band and tri-band routers and why it matters to "know your bands". As always, I aim to simplify complex tech, and offer insight into using the internet of Things wisely and well. 

You and the Internet of Things author and podcast host, Vicki McLeod interviews digital strategist, Bosco Anthony. They discuss the the internet of things as it relates to digital access and digital literacy for the average consumer, and the importance of being fully human in the age of technology.  Anthony offer his thoughts on the "digital melody" that is the smart, connected world of the IoT. 

An introduction to the You and the Internet of Things podcast with Vicki McLeod, based on the book You and the Internet of Things - A practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life (Self-Counsel Press 2020).