As wearable technology continues to rush the market, it is giving the Internet of Things (IoT) another pair of legs to stand on.
By constantly collecting data and learning about your preferences, behaviors, and even personal health, these wearable smart devices are the 24/7 data transmitters that companies are using to improve everyday experiences.
But while there are plenty of proponents of the Internet of Things – some forecast 360 million smartwatches by 2020 – it would be naïve to gloss over the big concern inherent with all this data gathering and reporting.
That is, what does it mean for us to sacrifice our anonymity for the sake of technology, particularly wearables?
View from an Advocate
As IoT advocates and contributors (check out our affiliation with AllSeen Alliance), Vedams is continuously working to accelerate the Internet of Everything to connect all types of smart devices.
From our point of view, the rewards of wearable technology outweigh the risks.
Yes, the data that is generated by what you do and the choices that you make becomes available to first-party providers; however, many of these companies also provide opt-out for those who desire more privacy.
Of course, we all know that IoT data is what drives these wearable devices to do what they do best: learn and constantly improve the type of experience they offer the user.
For example, did you know that BMW Mini introduced eyewear that is designed to reduce distracted driving? That same wearable can eliminate blind spots while driving, helping to increase our own safety and that of other motorists. In this case, we may not be anonymous to BMW, but the permission to access our comings and goings could result in a totally different, much more secure activity.
And that is good news for more than just the owner of the wearable.
What are your thoughts and feelings on wearables and the loss of anonymity? Is it worth it?