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[x]cube LABS is a leading digital strategy and solution provider specializing in enterprise mobility space. Over the years, we have delivered numerous digital innovations and mobile solutions, creating over $ 2 billion for startups and enterprises. Broad spectrum of services ranging from mobile app development to enterprise digital strategy makes us the partner of choice for leading brands.
Digital transformation strategy
Blog, Digital Strategy, Digital Transformation & Innovation

Key Features Of An Effective Digital Transformation Strategy

Digital transformation strategy

Organizations worldwide recognize the importance of digitalization for success. However, to do so, they must develop an effective digital transformation strategy that embraces the latest technologies and changing customer preferences.

In this blog, we’ll review the critical elements of an effective digital transformation strategy that every company should consider before embarking on its digital transformation journey. So, let’s get started! 

What Is a Digital Transformation Strategy?

Digital transformation is leveraging technology to create new or improved business processes, services, and products. It has recently become a vital competitive strategy for organizations and businesses. As companies strive to become more agile, efficient, and customer-centric, digital transformation has become increasingly relevant.

At its core, digital transformation is about redefining how a business operates to meet the changing demands of customers and market demands. This can involve a complete overhaul of existing processes and technology or incremental changes.

For businesses, digital transformation means using digital technologies – such as cloud computing, customer experience (CX) consulting, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning – to revolutionize how they design, produce, and deliver their products and services. 

Not only that, some prominent digital transformation strategy examples include transitioning into a remote workspace or hybrid work model, using AI-driven insights to improve efficiency, automating employee performance management, etc. By harnessing digital technologies, companies can stay in the competition.

They can gain a competitive edge by creating unique products and services, engaging with customers in more personalized ways, and streamlining internal processes to reduce costs. Ultimately, digital transformation is essential for businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

It is a process that requires organizations to rethink how they operate and embrace innovation. It is an ongoing process that requires organizations to refine and adapt their digital strategies to stay ahead continually.

Digital transformation strategy

6 Keys To Effective Digital Transformation Strategy

Digital transformation is a critical element of any successful business strategy in today’s digital world, and an effective digital transformation strategy is essential to ensure success.

Many entrepreneurs want to digitize their endeavors but have no idea how to develop a digital transformation strategy. Here are six critical elements of effective digital transformation:

 

  • Define Clear Objectives

The first key feature of an effective digital transformation strategy is to define clear and measurable objectives. Digital transformation is not a cut-and-dry concept; many sources define it differently.

For a successful transition into digital technology, businesses must know what they want and how they want to achieve it. Companies must also identify what they want to achieve and how they will measure the strategy’s success. Defining objectives in this way ensures that the digital transformation strategy is viable and relevant. 

  • Create An Integrated Approach.

Creating an integrated approach is very important for successful digital transformation and strategy. This means that business owners must consider all areas of the business and align all elements of the system.

This allows businesses to create a coherent strategy considering customer needs, technological changes, and future trends. A comprehensive digital transformation strategy should also include existing employees’ ability to accept and adapt.

  • Adaptability And Agility

An important criterion for effective digital transformation is embracing and adapting to change. The strategy must adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and technological advances.

Change is the only constant in the current market. Any change can be an opportunity if seized at the right moment and in the right way. Businesses must be prepared to act quickly and decisively to take advantage of opportunities.

  • Effective Communication

Effective communication is crucial for digital transformation. Workers who have been in the company for too long might see digital transformation as a barrier. This is why clear and transparent communication is essential to clarify confusion and make informed decisions.

Communication includes both internal and external communication. Internally, this involves creating a culture that encourages communication between departments, teams, and individuals. Externally, this consists in communicating the strategy to customers and other stakeholders.

  • Use Of The Right Technology

Technology to enhance people and processes is a critical element of digital transformation. Businesses must invest in technologies that automate processes, streamline operations, and provide better customer experiences.

However, choosing the right technology is essential. Resorting to the latest technology will not be fruitful if it’s not right. Investing in the wrong technology is a waste of money and resources.

Instead of going after modern and flashy technologies, go for the ones that suit the company’s needs.  

Digital transformation strategy

  • Upskilling

Upskilling is an essential aspect of any business. But, many people are unaware of this. To stay in the game, companies must sharpen their skills frequently to meet current needs and demands.

Businesses must allocate resources to ensure that their employees have the latest technologies at their disposal. Changes occur every day, and the latest skills are becoming obsolete fast.

So, companies should invest in training their employees with the latest skills. Growth and innovation are the key drivers of digital transformation. This is essential for businesses to remain competitive and to ensure that their employees can take advantage of the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

Conclusion

An effective digital transformation strategy should focus on building an agile, customer-centric organization that prioritizes data-driven decisions and can quickly adapt to changing customer needs.

It should prioritize the implementation of new technologies and secure the necessary resources to ensure successful adoption. By taking these steps, businesses will stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in the digital age.

Digital Transformation
Blog, Digital Transformation & Innovation

Everything You Need to Know About Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is inevitable for continuous business growth. The rapid shift to remote working has encouraged industrial professionals to think beyond and above traditional business operations. Digitalization uses digital and advanced technologies to transform traditional business processes into more imaginative and digitized forms.

Digital transformation has gotten immersive penetration in the business market due to its opportunities to help enterprises achieve revenue and grow faster. Some recent surveys reveal that the digital transformation market is likely to grow by an annual rate of 19.1%, from $521.5 billion in 2021 to $127.5 billion in 2026. In addition, more than 64% of companies have websites to provide customers with a seamless purchasing experience.

The above data-driven information highlights that businesses will likely fall behind in the competitive business market if they are not evolving in the industry. This article will uncover what s digital transformation and how it can help enterprises grow faster.

What is Digital Transformation: Everything You Need to Know

It would be hard to pinpoint a single definition of digital transformation that fits all businesses, as it’ll look different for every company. Digitization is not new; industrial professionals have discussed this concept since the mid-2000s. It refers to adopting advanced and digital technologies to help businesses become more efficient in their processes. 

The main components of digital transformation include:

  •  Information and Insights
  • Operational Excellence
  • Infrastructure Modernization
  • Collaboration
  •  Innovation 

The objective of digital transformation is not just to replicate traditional services in digital form but to transform them into something significantly better. Digital transformation targets critical areas such as remaking company culture, changing the underlying technology stack, rethinking business models, and innovating the customer experience.

What are the top 3 trends of digital transformation?

  1. The rise of the cloud. Cloud computing has become an essential part of digital transformation, enabling businesses to store, manage, and process large amounts of data more efficiently and at a lower cost. The cloud also allows companies to access powerful computing resources on demand, enabling them to scale up or down as needed quickly.
  2. The proliferation of mobile devices. The widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices has fundamentally changed how people interact with technology. This trend has significantly impacted digital transformation, as businesses increasingly need to design and deliver optimized experiences for mobile devices.
  3. The growth of data-driven decision-making. As businesses collect more data from various sources, they can gain previously unimaginable insights. This trend has led to the development of data science and analytics, which are increasingly important in digital transformation. By leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can make more informed decisions, improve operations, and drive innovation.

Digital Transformation

What are the four primary stages of digital transformation?

  1. Assessment: The first stage of digital transformation is to assess the business’s current state and identify areas for improvement. This typically involves conducting a thorough analysis of the business’s processes, systems, and technologies and identifying any gaps or inefficiencies that could be addressed through digital transformation.
  2. Strategy: Once the business clearly understands its current state and areas for improvement, the next step is to develop a digital transformation strategy. This typically involves defining the goals and objectives of the digital transformation, identifying the technologies and solutions that will be used, and establishing a roadmap for implementation.
  3. Implementation: The third stage of digital transformation is the implementation of the chosen solutions and technologies. This typically involves a combination of technical performance, process redesign, and organizational change management.
  4. Optimization: The final stage of digital transformation is optimization, where the business continuously works to improve and refine its digital processes and systems. This typically involves ongoing monitoring and analysis of the business’s performance, as well as regular updates and improvements to the implemented technologies and solutions.

#digitaltransformation #digitaltransformationcompany

Benefits of Digital Transformation

To understand why digitalization is vital, businesses must consider its benefits and the cost of not doing it. Embracing digital transformation can provide companies and workforces with an array of perks, such as;

Improve Customer Experience

With the penetration of the latest technologies, customers demand faster and more valuable solutions to solve their day-to-day problems. Some customer-facing industries, such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare, need to improve their customer experience to stay in the long run. Digital transformation enables businesses to use cutting-edge technology to enhance their customer experience.

Get Data-Based Insights

A fantastic benefit of going digital is the ability to analyze the data and track metrics gained during digital marketing. Businesses can use these insights to optimize their processes and marketing strategies for better results.

Improve Efficiency and Transparency

Implementing advanced technological solutions into your business operations can dramatically improve efficiency. The continuous flow of data and seamless transition from phase to phase over customers’ lifetimes help businesses become more efficient in their processes while saving time and resources.

Enhance Resource Management

Digitalization can consolidate resources and data into a range of business tools. It can prevent the dispersion of company resources into different databases and software. Eventually, organizations can quickly gain a consistent experience from their business processes.

Get More Agility

The businesses adopting digitalization have reportedly been more agile than their competitors. Digital transformation helps companies adopt continuous improvement strategies for faster innovation.

Digital Transformation

Challenges to Digital Transformation

The path of digital transformation can be challenging. It is an innovative and new way of doing something that can strengthen the core of your business. From how new technology will impact customer relations to how employees will react to recent changes and how it will align the organizational goals with individual interests, companies need to consider everything when going digital.

The following challenges and obstacles can hinder your digitalization initiatives:

  • Budget Constraints
  • Lack of Dedicated IT Skills
  • Ineffective Data Management
  •  Inefficient Business Processes
  • Lack of Defined Business Strategies
  •  Evolving Customer Needs

Examples of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation can take businesses to a whole new level if done right. The concept of digitalization is more than enhancing or tinkering with traditional methods. Some examples of digital transformation include:

  • Automation of employee performance management
  • Use of AI-driven insights to improve sales efficiency
  • Implementation of automated customer services
  •  Use of design thinking to optimize and analyze the customer journey
  • Transition into a remote-first workspace

Regardless of their size and nature, all businesses can reap the benefits of digital transformation. For example, digital transformation in healthcare has revolutionized the industry.

Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Digitalization has enabled the healthcare industry to construct a block of a patient-centered approach. So, the patients can book online appointments and keep track of their blood pressure and heart rate using wearable bands. Big Data technology and Artificial Intelligence have paved the path for faster deliveries and efficient services in healthcare departments.

From AI screening to mHealth, eHealth, and wearables, every aspect of the healthcare industry leverages technology to serve patients at scale. Surveys highlight that about $21 billion was invested in the industry to digitize healthcare departments. Also, the global digital health market is expected to hit $657 billion by 2025.

Technological Trends in Healthcare Industry

Digitalization in healthcare provides agility to improve the overall experience for patients and deliver optimal values to organizations and professionals. The Healthcare industry uses the following trends of digital transformation to get the intended results:

  • Blockchain
  •  Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Big Data
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • Wearable Technology
  • On-Demand Healthcare

Benefits of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Digital transformation in healthcare has significant benefits, such as:

  • Reduced manual errors
  • Faster access to caregivers during a medical crisis
  • Improved patient engagement
  • Availability of online appointment
  • Collaborative research and studies
  • An effective relationship between multiple healthcare professionals
  • Access to real-time health data and information
  • Automated administrative tasks
  • Seamless patient-doctor collaboration
  • Secure and centralized database

The Bottom Line

Digital transformation refers to adopting new and advanced technologies to digitize your traditional business operations. Industries can get immersive benefits from digitalization if done well. Some challenges can also hinder your ambitious initiatives when going digital. However, it helps to consult a trusted digital transformation partner for strategy and execution who can take a lot of overheads off your plate and deliver the right team and technical expertise your business requires.

Prioritize Design Thinking While Planning Your Mobile App
Blog, Design, Mobile Applications

Why Should You Prioritize Design Thinking While Planning Your Mobile Application?

Prioritize Design Thinking While Planning Your Mobile AppDesign thinking goes beyond a framework or approach. You and your team can frequently overcome The most difficult problems through design thinking, with a successful solution at the other end.

The value of design thinking has steadily risen in the contemporary world as time goes on. Modern customers have rapid access to international markets. The distinctions between physical and digital encounters are by design.

The mobile app design primarily affects your app’s user experience, which is why it is crucial to its success. The way your app appears and functions has a significant impact on how a user interacts with it.

What Is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a method that focuses on finding solutions and is essential for improving the user experience and comprehending what the user wants. It’s the capability to use competing viewpoints to generate new answers. It refers to striking a balance between a product’s desirability, technical viability, and economic viability. It also offers a fresh approach to solving the issues. The five steps of the iterative, human-centered design process are defining the problem, researching, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

Instead of focusing on problems, like in a problem-based approach, design thinking focuses on solutions. The problem-based approach focuses on identifying barriers and constraints that contribute to a problem’s existence.

What Is Its Importance In Mobile App Development?

Innovative thinking requires innovation and creativity to satisfy customers’ unmet needs. Every successful IT company knows UI and UX are vital to creating mobile apps that offer a distinctive user experience.

Consumers no longer distinguish between physical and digital experiences. Businesses can differentiate their goods or services from competitors. Companies can differentiate themselves from their rivals by creating a mobile application with a distinctive user experience. IT firms must build bridges between businesses and end users.

80% of millennials, according to statistics, have their smartphones with them at all times. They are unable to function without their cell phones. It is now more straightforward to use mobile applications because of how widely accessible the internet is. The current requirement is to have a mobile app.

Therefore, all companies that appeal to millennials and other customers and wish to succeed should create mobile apps. Mobile apps have completely changed and transformed the tech industry. In many marketers’ opinions, mobile apps are the simplest way to connect with clients and grow a brand. Additionally, it is simple to get direct feedback from customers.

Prioritize Design Thinking While Planning Your Mobile App

What Happens When Design Thinking Is Applied Correctly

Launching an MVP (minimal viable product) for businesses that prioritize design is ideal. In these situations, the company updates the product after considering user feedback and incorporating it into the design—for instance, on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and similar services.

It aids in developing profitable brands and the ROI from such brands. Because it takes a human-centered approach, design thinking focuses on the end users and how to improve and enrich the user experience. It involves diverse teams, so the advantage of collective wisdom, expertise, and knowledge is available while developing solutions.

It also entails coming up with creative solutions. As a result, this adds value for end users while addressing real issues.

Significant Components

  • The primary goal is to meet the customer’s needs.
  • Helps with the resolution of complex challenges.
  • It drives people to come up with novel solutions.
  • It makes businesses run more quickly and effectively.

 Principles of Design Thinking

  1. The Human Principle: Every design has a social component. The issues must be resolved by meeting human needs and considering the human aspect of all technologies.
  2. The Opacity Principle: We perform experiments to the limits of our knowledge, control events based on our limits, and have the freedom to see things from different perspectives.
  3. The Remodel Principle: Design is always being redone. In the modern world, technology and social activities are constantly changing. We need to investigate and assess how past societies met human needs.
  4. The Distinction Rule: Making concepts concrete helps with communication. Making our concepts into prototypes allows designers to communicate more effectively.
  5. The Expectation Rule: Ideas must be generated and developed into prototypes, tested, and modified in response to user input. Given that design thinking is an iterative process, be ready to go back and redo some techniques when you identify problems and weaknesses in the prior iterations of your suggested solution.
  6. The Collaboration Rule: Design thinking aims to combine a wide range of perspectives and ideas since innovation comes from this! Design thinking fosters communication among diverse, multidisciplinary teams that might not ordinarily collaborate.
  7. The Ideation Rule: The goal of design thinking, a framework centered on solutions, is to generate as many ideas and potential solutions as possible—both a fundamental design thinking theory and a step in creativity. During the ideation phase, participants are urged to emphasize the number of ideas more than the quality.

Benefits Of Mobile Applications Developed With Exclusive Design Thinking

Following the design thinking method or approach has notable advantages:

  • It Assists In Overcoming Difficulties In Developing Creativity: Design thinking allows you to look at problems from various perspectives. To get the most significant thoughts out, much thought must go into them, broadening the learner’s understanding.
  • It Boosts Your Expertise In Design Thinking: In the design thinking process, you will perform numerous evaluations. You will always try to improve your model by implementing the customer’s feedback to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • It Makes It Easier To Satisfy Client Needs Successfully: As we previously covered, design thinking entails creating tested and iteratively improved prototypes based on consumer feedback. If you implement the design thinking methodology effectively, your product will finally satisfy clients’ needs.
  • It Drives Sales: Compared to other platforms, mobile applications are simple to use, making it easy to reach more users. If the UX is flawless, the end user will use your program repeatedly. This frequent use increases the likelihood of brand loyalty, which may also boost sales.
  • Present And Future Marketing Dynamics: The future of numerous applications and enterprises depends on mobile apps, which are currently essential. Consequently, it becomes necessary for companies to create mobile applications. Marketers may now concentrate on promoting their businesses on the web and mobile platforms, thanks to the advent of social media and mobile applications. Mobile apps can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as there is internet access. Regular app usage by the customer also demonstrates their brand devotion and support.

Phases of Design Thinking

  • Empathize
  • Define
  • Ideate
  • Prototype
  • Test 

Prioritize Design Thinking While Planning Your Mobile App

Empathize: Empathy is the first step in the design thinking process since it helps us understand the issue we’re trying to address. This stage is essential for knowing the user’s requirements in addition to the problem to provide a more specialized solution.

Comprehending the user’s behavior patterns, tendencies, preferences, and likely reactions to situations entails watching and interacting with the user. Once businesses fully understand the user environment and behavioral patterns, they can create solutions that address user needs.

Define: The procedure’s next step is to organize all the data gathered in the earlier stage. It will eventually assist you in defining the issue statement in a more human-centric way. The define stage aids in deconstructing complex concepts and problems and forms a systematic strategy for their resolution. This is the time to lay out the process and formulate the questions that must be addressed to solve the current problem.

Ideate: This is arguably the most crucial stage and, interestingly, offers the most creative freedom. This is the time to adopt an innovative mindset and prepare for experimentation to promote the user experience. At this point, bringing new ideas and considering inventive solutions to the problem is critical.

While proposing these solutions, it’s equally crucial to consider potential impediments that could arise from the user’s end and the environment.

Prototype: Making a prototype entails selecting and shaping your most fantastic ideas. Before proposing the idea for implementation, this step enables designers to evaluate the approach’s effectiveness internally in a small-scale setting.

It can also entail putting all potential ideas into action and assessing their efficacy. Eliminating all the unsuccessful or less effective solutions and moving forward with the best ones is a crucial component of this phase. Using prototypes, designers may create a more realistic solution that can be implemented on a larger scale by understanding how users would generally behave or react to a given key.

Test: The best options from the previous stage are tested in the last step of design thinking. Because this process is iterative, the outcomes of this stage are used to refine the final solution further.

The solutions found during the prototyping phase frequently undergo significant revisions or are even abandoned to match the needs of the actual environment’s users. The end product of this phase is a tried-and-true solution that can withstand environmental challenges and user expectations.

To Begin Design Thinking 

Obtain Knowledge And Exercise Keen Observation: One of the initial phases in the design thinking process would be to practice empathy, observation, and customer interviews to acquire ideas. The first step in producing goods or services for your customers is figuring out what they want.

Never make assumptions about people’s feelings or thoughts; instead, learn about their needs. Thus, keen observation and gaining insights are essential to the design thinking methodology.

Create And Implement An Unmet Needs Identification Methodology: A crucial step at the beginning is to build and plan a framework of ideas to understand the required needs. It can either be through a prototype or just a simple blueprint. Resources such as pen and paper or a slide deck are easily accessible and can be used to create a mock-up of ideas and get feedback.

It will help you understand your customers’ needs before investing in production. Companies can better understand and gain insights, which would, in turn, help them frame a better design thinking structure.

Transforming Our Issues Into Inquiries: When faced with an issue, our instinct is to solve it immediately. However, if we learn to change our thinking and attempt to ask questions, we might get closer to the problem’s source and make some progress.

Let’s use the case of a business having trouble with retention rates. How can we enhance the employee experience? They can raise this question. Focusing on human needs would reveal new information, leading to a more effective solution.

Use Reach To Comprehend The Past, Present, And Future: These research methods include empathy, observation, and interviewing. Advanced evaluative research concentrates on getting feedback on studies. Finally, conventional market research, or validating research, aims to comprehend what is occurring now. Maintaining a balance between the various research styles would enable us to concentrate on the now and look ahead.

You may need some skills before starting this.

  • Designing for humans
  • Assessing your needs
  • Techniques for Interviewing and Fostering Empathy
  • Making Sense of Insights and Observations
  • Establishing a Point of View
  • Making and Examining Prototypes
  • Fewest Usable Products
  • Creating and Evaluating Business Cases and Models

Final Words 

Mobile app design thinking takes the form of a non-linear problem-solving process with anywhere between five and ten steps, even though, in theory, it comprises the three overlapping circles of inspiration, implementation, and creativity. There are numerous models with individual actions, but practitioners should be more relaxed about the procedure. An approach to an innovation known as “design thinking” seeks to connect the dots between business viability, technical prowess, and human values. Motivating yourself and your development team to think from the user’s perspective is the main guideline for applying a design thinking process to mobile app development. Utilizing the right tools and approaches is essential to effectively use design thinking in product development.

Agritech
Agriculture, Blog, Technology

Technological Innovations that will Benefit Agriculture in 2024 and Beyond

agritech app, agritech idea

As the global population expands, the efficient and sustainable utilization of agricultural land has become a critical societal goal. With the predicted surge in people over the next few decades, ensuring food security without compromising food safety remains a significant challenge.

Developed nations have increasingly focused on understanding the root causes of growing health issues among various populations worldwide. Research has often linked these health problems to unsafe farming practices, the consequences of the Green Revolution, and evolving environmental factors.

Sustainable farming practices are essential to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable food supply for a growing population. These practices aim to produce safe and nutritious food accessible to everyone at a reasonable cost.

AgriTech, the intersection of agriculture and technology, has emerged as a critical driver of sustainable farming. By leveraging innovative technologies, AgriTech solutions can help optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and improve food quality and safety.

How many to feed going forward?

According to the Global Safety Report, the challenge would be to feed about nine billion people by 2050 with the dwindling agricultural land resources and the ever-changing global climate.

How can agriculture be improved to accommodate the growing demand?

Transforming traditional farming methods with advanced technology is reshaping agriculture, similar to the evolution of modern manufacturing. As we move beyond 2024, agriculture is becoming more adaptable and automated through cutting-edge tools like soil sensors, climate monitoring systems, AI-powered predictive models, and data-driven crop management techniques. These innovations drive greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability in farming practices.

What are the most promising farming methods beyond 2022?

As the global population grows and land resources become increasingly scarce, innovative farming methods are essential to ensure food security and sustainability. Here are some of the most promising farming methods that are being explored and implemented in 2024:

  1. Aeroponics:
  • Description: A method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich mist instead.
  • Benefits: Highly efficient use of space, water, and nutrients; reduced risk of pests and diseases.
  1. Aquaponics:
  • Description: A symbiotic system that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants in water).
  • Benefits: Closed-loop system that recycles nutrients, reduces waste and improves efficiency.
  1. Vertical Farming:
  • Description: Plants grow in stacked layers, often indoors or in controlled environments.
  • Benefits: Highly efficient use of space, reduced reliance on pesticides, and year-round production.
  1. Precision Agriculture:
  • Description: Using data and technology to optimize crop yields and minimize resource waste.
  • Benefits: Improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and increased profitability.
  1. Regenerative Agriculture:
  • Description: Farming practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
  • Benefits: Enhanced soil fertility, improved water retention, and reduced carbon emissions.
  1. Indoor Farming:
  • Description: Growing crops in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or warehouses.
  • Benefits: Year-round production, reduced pesticide reliance, and improved food safety.
  1. Gene Editing:
  • Description: Using advanced technologies to modify the genetic makeup of plants to improve traits such as yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value.
  • Benefits: Increased crop productivity and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

What emerging agricultural technologies are used with the farming methods mentioned above?

Agritech

As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, various innovative technologies are used with the abovementioned farming methods. These technologies transform how we grow and produce food, increasing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Here are some of the most promising emerging agricultural technologies:

  1. Soil and Water Sensors:
  • Purpose: Monitor soil moisture, temperature, nutrient levels, and water quality.
  • Benefits: Optimize irrigation, fertilizer application, and crop management.
  1. Weather Tracking Devices:
  • Purpose: Collect data on temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind patterns.
  • Benefits: Improve crop forecasting, manage risks associated with extreme weather events, and optimize planting and harvesting schedules.
  1. Satellite Imaging:
  • Purpose: Monitor crop health, detect pests and diseases, and assess land use patterns.
  • Benefits: Provide valuable insights for precision agriculture and resource management.
  1. Precision Agriculture Platforms:
  • Purpose: Integrate data from various sources (sensors, weather stations, satellites) to provide farmers with actionable insights.
  • Benefits: Optimize resource use, improve yields, and reduce environmental impact.
  1. Robotics and Automation:
  • Purpose: Automate tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and sorting.
  • Benefits: Increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve precision.
  1. Gene Editing Technologies:
  • Purpose: Modify the genetic makeup of plants to improve traits such as yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value.
  • Benefits: Develop more resilient and productive crops.
  1. Blockchain Technology:
  • Purpose: Ensure food traceability, transparency, and safety throughout the supply chain.
  • Benefits: Reduce food fraud, improve consumer confidence, and support sustainable practices.

Soil and water sensors:

Soil quality and water content influence crop yield and agricultural productivity. Using sophisticated crop sensors has become increasingly important in monitoring these parameters and ensuring optimal crop growth.

In 2024, advancements in sensor technology have enabled farmers to gain real-time insights into soil conditions and water usage. High-quality PAS CO2 sensors, specifically designed for agricultural applications and greenhouses, are now widely available and affordable. These sensors provide reliable data on carbon dioxide levels, which is a crucial factor in plant growth and photosynthesis.

Research and development efforts are focused on creating even more advanced sensor technologies, including AI-based solutions. These AI-powered sensors can help automate the monitoring and control of various agricultural parameters, such as fertilizer application, nitrogenous waste management, and toxic substance seepage into nearby water bodies. By optimizing these processes, farmers can reduce water pollution, minimize the overuse of fertilizers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

As highlighted in The Technology Quarterly, almond farmers in California have successfully benefited from using moisture sensors that transmit data through cloud networks. These sensors enable farmers to accurately assess the water required for irrigation, leading to significant water savings and improved crop yields.

Smart farming is the future of agriculture.

Smart farming, powered by advanced technologies, rapidly transforms the agricultural landscape. One promising area of research is using programmable sequence-specific nucleases (PSSN) to manipulate biotic and abiotic crop factors. PSSN technology offers a more precise and efficient way to modify crop genomes than traditional genetic engineering techniques.

Agricultural biotechnology is also making significant strides in microbial research. Scientists are exploring the potential of beneficial microbes to enhance crop yield, reduce pesticide use, and improve plant resilience to harsh environmental conditions.

Multispectral sensors mounted on tractors can collect real-time data on crop nitrogen requirements. This data can be analyzed using cloud-based platforms, providing farmers with valuable insights for optimizing fertilizer applications.

Large IT companies are partnering with commercial farming units to develop sophisticated software platforms to process and analyze vast amounts of agricultural data. These platforms can help farmers make informed decisions and improve their operations.

Unmanned agricultural drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, have become integral to modern agriculture. These AI-powered flying robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other technologies that enable them to perform various tasks, from crop monitoring to spraying and yield estimation.

Critical Benefits of Agricultural Drones:

  • Enhanced Crop Monitoring: Drones can capture high-resolution images and data of crops, allowing farmers to identify problems such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies early on.
  • Precise Spraying: Drones can apply pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments with extreme precision, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
  • Yield Estimation: Drones can estimate crop yields accurately, helping farmers make informed decisions about harvesting and marketing.
  • Improved Efficiency: Drones can automate many time-consuming tasks, freeing up farmers to focus on other aspects of their operations.

The Future of Drone Technology in Agriculture

As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of drones in agriculture. Some of the emerging trends include:

  • Autonomous drones: Drones that can operate independently without human intervention.
  • Drone swarms: Multiple drones working together to cover large areas more efficiently.
  • Integration with other agricultural technologies: Drones can be used with different technologies, such as soil sensors and precision irrigation systems, to create a comprehensive solution for sustainable agriculture.

Points to ponder

As the global population expands and land resources become increasingly scarce, the demand for increased agricultural output is more pressing than ever. To meet this challenge, modern, AI-driven farming practices are essential.

The future of agriculture envisions a day when the cropping cycle, from sowing to harvesting, is carried out with minimal human intervention. Advanced technologies such as robotics, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) will be crucial in automating various agricultural tasks.

As AI-driven farming continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that address the challenges of food security, sustainability, and climate change. By embracing these technologies, the agricultural industry can confidently meet the growing demand for food while minimizing its environmental impact.

 

Mobile app development
App Marketing, Blog, Mobility

How To Ensure Your Mobile Application Stands Out In Highly Competitive App Stores?

Mobile app development

Let’s start with statistics. In 2021, 2 million new apps were released. It would be an understatement to suggest that there is an intense rivalry. The latest data shows 3,739 apps are added to the Google Play Store daily. They understand how the market changes were critical for mobile app success in 2022.

The business mobile app market has increased since the beginning of the decade. As more people enter the digital age, they have come to rely on their smartphones to assist them with everything from banking to shopping.

You have many options for researching various industry needs and deciding to build a problematic app. A thorough knowledge of data analytics, market segmentation, advertising, app store optimization, revenue channels, shifting business models, the marketing landscape, and more is essential for nailing trends and rising above the competition. 

Making a name for yourself in the insanely saturated app market is difficult for most people. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a shot. It’s also true that there is still a sizable market for mobile apps, and new ones are continually being developed, released, and becoming prosperous. 

It might enhance your online presence, and your platform could become incredibly sticky by including social features and concentrating on various aspects of your business. We need applications to focus on providing users with quality services and making their lives easier.

With a solid understanding of the app development process and a clear marketing plan, you can make your mobile app stand out in a crowded market and establish a sizable user base.

Let’s review what you can do to stand out from the crowd, make your mobile app successful despite the public, and download lethargy. 

Understand How To Target The Needs Of Your Potential Users

Getting inside your users’ heads and comprehending their lived experiences is the first and most crucial step in truly understanding their demands. What kind of persons do they gravitate to en route? What hobbies do they have in their spare time?

What are some of the most pressing issues customers have with your service? What companies do they contact for guidance, and how can you stand out from your rivals? These are a few inquiries that, when properly incorporated into your plan, will significantly improve your possibilities of developing an effective app and a devoted online following.

Mobile app development

Place Emphasis On Design

First impressions matter; therefore, carefully considering your app’s visual design should be a key priority during its development and any subsequent upgrades. An attractive and practical design will grab users’ attention and enhance their experience.

Analyze Your Rivals

It would be best to start by compiling a comprehensive list of your competitors and completing a deep competition analysis, whether you are developing a new mobile app or already have one that needs to prevail as you’d like.

Learn what makes their apps unique or why people enjoy them. Use the app to determine which features you want and which user interface elements keep you returning to them. See how well they perform the original function that created these apps. Compare these results to your app now and consider how you may make it as exciting or effective as the rivals. 

Create A Comprehensive Marketing Plan

Every product in the world requires a successful marketing plan. As many people as you can need to see your mobile app, your marketing campaigns must be compelling enough to grab their attention. You must consider how you desire to approach your mobile app marketing, including various forms of advertising, social media campaigns, event promotions, collaborations, and so much more.

  • Promote effective adverts: Use the best writing, language, visuals, and video to produce compelling advertising highlighting your app’s best aspects and the benefits your consumers will experience. It is not the purpose of advertisements to solicit boasts about your app. They center on identifying a problem your users are experiencing and demonstrating how your software can address it. Demonstrate to your users how great, simple, or unique their lives will be once they use your program. Show them the time they will save, the comfort they will have, or the fun they will have as a result of using your software.
  • Discover various forms of advertising: The most common ad formats are in-app, banner, and video ads. Use well-known ad networks like Adsense to optimize your ad placement and raise awareness of your mobile app.

Content Marketing Strategy 

Good content is not inexpensive. To strengthen your presence on social media and the digital landscape, you may need to hire exceptional content creators, writers, and SEO strategists. Content marketing offers a variety of paths to success, including enticing snippets, emails, long-form blog posts, and compelling stories.

You must hire the ideal content producers to differentiate your app from the competition and outperform your competitors.

Consider Writing Efficiently

Written content on applications is crucial, even though people’s attention spans are getting shorter, and they frequently scan sites. Do directions make sense? If your content is compelling enough, readers with limited time or reading skills will only scroll past if it speaks directly to them.

If you’re having trouble writing yourself, work with professionals who can ensure that each phrase clearly outlines what to do next to move things along fast and ensure that we meet all deadlines.

App Store Optimization

People use keywords and information on the app page, including descriptions, screenshots, and—most crucially—user ratings and reviews when conducting searches in app stores. Utilize each of them to the fullest extent possible to ensure that your app appears in search results and appears appealing enough to draw in your target audience.

The app store is optimized in this process. Begin with your app’s name and logo. Use an eye-catching and straightforward logo. In the app description, include a keyword. Use the best screenshots that logically depict what your app’s users can expect.

Spend time creating a detailed video demonstrating everything your app can do for your users. Use this video to highlight the best features of your app. Make it so appealing that your users are compelled to download it.

Customer Feedback: Pay attention to customer reviews. Engage users, expressing gratitude for favorable feedback and assisting those who have had a bad experience. You can transform a bad review into a good one by apologizing for the inconvenience and rectifying issues. This will encourage additional users to download and try out your software.

Create A Wonderful Experience First

The one thing we are here for in the first place — a fantastic app — comes before all the methods we will soon explore. It can heavily promote a defective product, but it will never be able to compete with high-quality alternatives.

Therefore, start laying a solid basis for your mobile app development approach. Pay attention to adding value for the users. Find and address a real issue. Perform it better than anyone else is currently doing. Have a UVP, or unique selling proposition, that distinguishes your goods from your rivals.

To accomplish that, you return to the first topic we covered, competitor research. Do it well and use your technical and creative skills to develop something beneficial.

Mobile app development

Marketing For Differentiation

 

  • Website: For your app, you must undoubtedly create an internet presence. Why? People will want to know that your app is authentic and that you have a strong business plan.
  • Social Media: Social networking is necessary to market your app successfully. Utilize these accounts and begin following users who share your ideals and work in your sector if you want to interact meaningfully with your target audience. Remember to refrain from spamming and offering content that interests readers so they can participate in the discussion. Spending some money on your advertising will draw more users to your app. Since Facebook owns Instagram, they make it very simple to run an app install advertising on both platforms, making Facebook and Instagram very effective at this.
  • Press Release: Your brand can gain from increased involvement and public awareness through press releases. Having a place to post your updates helps develop a brand and an app that sticks in people’s minds and is admired by experts and employees. This is true whether you’re letting people know about your newest product or offering a special promotion.
  • Blogging: Regular blogging can improve your company’s web presence. It enables your audience to recognize you as the authority in your industry, raising brand awareness and credibility. It will eventually assist you in growing your customer base.

Secure Mobile App

Most apps ask users to submit sensitive information to function more effectively, making app security a touchy subject. Since the data they collect directly impacts their customers’ lives and well-being, reading the regulation guidelines can ensure that users are being taken care of in the most effective way possible.

Introduce Fresh Elements

Adding additional social features to your mobile app allows you to differentiate your app from the competition. This would be advantageous if you want to enhance in-app engagement and retention and maximize your platform’s revenue. You start with the initial set of features that please most users.

Size Of The Application

Any mobile application’s size is significant. As a result, developers constantly consider the app’s size to avoid the conflict above. Some applications are large or bulky and have a length of 20 MB or more, but they should be justified in their size.

Modification

Some applications acquire more downloads after a strong start, but the consistency needs to be kept up. Of course, every smartphone application has a few flaws and omissions. Top Developers should update it frequently to eliminate the previous outcasts. Below the Review area, you can see the “Last Updated” date, which should be as close to the present moment as feasible to indicate that just updated application.

Logo And App Description In App Stores

The aesthetic quality of the logo is crucial. It grabs our interest. The most challenging aspect of creating a logo is ensuring it is as distinctive as possible while remaining elegant, magnificent, and straightforward.

The app description will entice users who have never heard of your program before to click the “Download” button when visiting the “Play Store.” They’re true when they claim that “Content is King.” It doesn’t matter what you write; how you write counts. You should write it correctly.

Trendy App Name 

The application’s name ought to be hip, clever, and tenacious. Second, it should be succinct and to the point. Thirdly, it should strongly connect to the mobile app’s genre. Consider this as an example: Messenger is short, relevant, and unique, and it sounds fantastic when it is uttered. Modern methods of naming mobile applications include adding a “Z” at the end of the app or sandwiching it between the name and another letter, word juggling, adding a prefix or suffix to the vocabulary, etc.

Monitoring Post-Download Activity

Is the user’s downloaded application idle on the homepage or utilized once a week? That is indeed depressing. Of course, this plan allows for analysis and enhanced engagement while addressing weak points. 

Closing Remarks 

One of the most competitive businesses in the world is undoubtedly one that involves mobile apps. With about 2.8 million apps available in the Google Play store and 2.2 million in the Apple App Store, it can be challenging to get your app noticed, let alone downloaded.

Given the intense competition, creating your software’s most excellent possible version is critical. Conducting a competitive analysis to determine where your competitors are at, what is working for them, what isn’t, and what you can do better is one of the most effective approaches to achieving this. Why should clients pick you?

Mobile apps are a fantastic method to stay in touch with your customers and meet their needs. You must ensure your app is updated with technology to meet their needs. By doing this, you’ll be able to customize your software for each user individually and guarantee that they enjoy using it. Hire a mobile app development company that provides quality mobile app solutions with exquisite features based on your business requirements to stay competitive.

IoT-Blockchain
Blockchain, Blog, Internet of Things

What is IoT in Blockchain, and how is it Accelerating Innovation?

IoT-Blockchain

Blockchain technology has become a distributed digital ledger all across the IT sector. It has transformed many conventional perceptions regarding Innovation and technology. Since 2014, blockchain technology has earned attention in numerous sectors for its excellent applications. This technology ensures a rapid and accelerating evolution across different sectors. The technology has recently been clubbed with the Internet of Things, and IoT in Blockchain is driving great results across multiple industries. 

With the arrival of smart cities and smart homes, the Internet of Things (IoT) has also gained immense popularity. It offers state-of-the-art opportunities to make the future more revolutionized, intelligent, and innovative. The global market size of IoT is expected to increase by 45.1% by 2026. 

IoT is transforming how enterprises work, but they need to protect their information at all levels of the IoT ecosystem. The number of devices connected with IoT is growing every day, making data security more complex. IT experts focus on integrating IoT in blockchain to help combat security breaches. You might be interested to know what IoT is in blockchain and how it accelerates technology.

 

IoT in Blockchain

Before diving into the blockchain IoT use cases, it is vital to understand how blockchain and IoT can be integrated. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that makes digital transactions much easier and safer when combined with IoT. IoT in blockchain enables smart devices to work autonomously without demanding a centralized authority. It can help track how intelligent devices communicate with each other.

IoT in blockchain can help enterprises manage data on edge devices, reducing the cost associated with data transfer and device management. Integration of blockchain with IoT can provide enterprises with an array of benefits, some of which are;

  •         Generate New Efficiencies
  •         Greater Flexibility
  •         Increased Security
  •         Trust in IoT Data

The Working of Blockchain Technology for IoT Applications

The concept of IoT in blockchain mainly depends on three traits of blockchain, which are;

  1. Distribution

Blockchain technology does not keep data in a single place; instead, it distributes it throughout different computers on the network. Integrating IoT into blockchain enables IoT users to submit and retrieve their data from other devices more effectively.

  1. Immutability

Blockchain technology’s immutability helps detect changes in stored data.

  1. Decentralization

When blockchain technology’s immutability and distribution protect the integrity of IoT device data on blockchain networks, decentralization can be a visible setback. It can reveal sensitive data of IoT users to third parties.

IoT-Blockchain 

Use Cases of IoT in Blockchain

Blockchain can empower IoT devices with better transparency and security. Blockchain IoT examples are making names in all significant sectors, such as financial institutions and agriculture. Below is proof of how IoT in blockchain can accelerate innovations and deliver prolific business values.

  1. Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is the most significant sector relying on IoT blockchain applications. The supply chain includes numerous stakeholders, such as raw material providers and brokers, introducing complications in visibility. It also includes various payment methods and invoices.

IT experts are working on IoT in blockchain to make IoT-enabled vehicles more responsible for tracking shipments. This combination will help enterprises improve the traceability and reliability of the network. IoT sensors integrated with blockchain can provide critical information about shipment status. Some standard IoT sensors include;

  •         Vehicle Information
  •         GPS
  •         Connected Devices
  •         Motion Sensor
  •         Temperature Sensor

IoT blockchain examples in supply chain data management enable enterprises to store information on the blockchain. Once the data is stored on the blockchain, the stakeholders can access real-time information and prepare cross-border transactions.

  1. Pharmacy

Blockchain IoT applications in the pharmaceutical industry help highlight critical information, such as identifying counterfeit medicines. A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that 50% of the drugs available on the internet are fake.

Pharmaceutical companies have to deal with the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, which can make tracking their lifecycles difficult. IoT in blockchain helps the pharmaceutical industry monitor the shipment of drugs from the point of development to the end user.

Mediledger is a prolific example of IoT in the blockchain. This IoT blockchain example helps track the legal changes in ownership of prescription medicines. It offers a simple interface for using IoT and blockchain technology together. Mediledger is an immutable IoT blockchain use case that allows access only to;

  •         Manufacturers
  •         Wholesalers
  •         Distributors
  •         End Customers

Mediledger also offers a straightforward and easily navigable payment process with improved security.

  1. Smart Homes

IoT and blockchain in smart homes show how IoT in the blockchain is accelerating innovations. With blockchain IoT security, smart homes can find excellent ways to manage their home security systems remotely. It ensures that the sensitive user data on the blockchain has better security. IoT in blockchain secures data with;

  •         Voice recognition
  •         Biometrics
  •         Facial recognition

The immutability traits of blockchain ensure that data is accessible only to authorized individuals.

IoT-Blockchain

  1. Automotive Sector

The automotive sector is another promising sector leveraging the power of IoT in blockchain technology. This sector has successfully used IoT sensors to develop completely automated vehicles. Experts connect blockchain with industrial IoT solutions to empower multiple users to exchange critical information faster.

The automotive sector has the most encouraging platform for blockchain IoT use cases. This combination can result in numerous beneficial applications, such as;

  •         Autonomous Cars
  •         Automated Fuel payments
  •         Automated Traffic Control
  •         Smart Parking

The automotive sector leverages the best of both IoT and blockchain technology.

  1. Agriculture

The IoT in blockchain has also revolutionized the agriculture sector. IoT blockchain applications help track the impact of weather and other external conditions on the yield quality. It supports the agriculture sector by producing more food to fulfill the needs of a growing population. IoT blockchain applications in agriculture help farmers review the collected data to improve their farming techniques.

The Bottom Line

IoT in blockchain has revolutionized an array of sectors. The promising capabilities of blockchain, such as immutability, transparency, and distribution, can empower IoT-enabled devices. Integrating blockchain with IoT can help the future become more imaginative, innovative, and revolutionized. All the most significant sectors, including agriculture, automotive, pharmacy, and supply chain, are leveraging the best IoT blockchain use cases.

Progressive WebApps
App Marketing, Blog

Progressive Web Apps and Their Benefits in Business

Progressive WebApps

The most effective method for web application developers is constructing progressive web applications. Not only does this program load quickly, but it also performs better than similar web applications. There is an app for almost everything these days, including banking, studying, trading, and shopping. Most businesses rely on apps to improve client experiences and gain an advantage over rivals. Several stakeholders are frequently involved in shaping your digital strategy: the chief marketing officer and product manager are co-owners of the business impact of each feature, the chief technology officer evaluates the viability and dependability of technology, and the user experience researchers confirm that a component addresses a genuine customer issue. 

What Is PWA?

Any online browser can view PWAs, a mashup of web pages and native apps. Mobile users found it to be more convenient. Customers will be asked whether they want to add a website to their home screen before it is added after user approval. This will enable the user to schedule a meeting while on the go. It has some of the website’s typical characteristics, like a distinctive loading screen, eye-catching animations, and no navigation bar. Top players have already been using this new technology.

Combinations let you build lightning-fast websites with P.W.As that enhance user experience, engage visitors longer, and boost conversion rates. Experts from a website design firm claim they connect mobile apps with responsive websites. PWA technology broadens people’s perspectives on web pages. PWAs are designed with features like alerts and offline functioning. Modern APIs are also used in their development, which makes it simple to give greater functionality, dependability, and flexibility to install them on any device.

Progressive Web Applications: Core Features

Progressive Web Apps should not only be considered a rival to native apps. Even a business with an existing app can profit from them. They are cross-platform, and segmenting the purchasing experience into several platforms is becoming less and less successful in the multichannel era.

What should be taken into account when creating a PWA is listed below :

Progressive WebApps

Security

Since the content of these apps is supplied via HTTPS, unauthorized people cannot access them. These days, a website must be encrypted with an SSL certificate to function; this provides another degree of protection. As we already know, PWAs are websites that have been turned into applications, making them more secure because they employ HTTPS. These security protocols enable a secure data transfer between clients and servers so that the data cannot be altered.

To protect your native apps, you must implement several security measures, such as multi-factor authentication.

Auto Updates Or No Updates Required

Apps keep up to date because they can update themselves automatically. Users have some responsibility when it comes to application updates. Your users will benefit from PWAs because they won’t need to be updated. Users will see their app’s new and updated features since it actively updates itself in real time, exactly like a website.

Offline Work Mode 

Progressive web applications are more than just lightning-fast programs. Additionally, they can keep operating if the user has a sluggish or inconsistent internet connection or is offline. The technology behind that feature, called service workers, enables the app to store data offline and manage network requests to get it from the local cache flexibly. It immediately leads to another advantage: reducing the data we utilize to execute the software.

The service worker can cache an application shell (interface) to load quickly on subsequent visits. The necessary dynamic content, such as the shopping cart, avatars, messages, or payment history, is reloaded whenever the connection is reestablished. These mechanics make good app performance and an enhanced user experience possible. A messaging user, for instance, won’t notice an interface difference between the online and offline modes: There is a message history, and it is still functional. Nevertheless, texting needs a connection.

Responsive And Advanced

A developer must ensure that all consumers, regardless of their device, appreciate the product. Different firms make devices with various screen sizes. It is a good idea to ensure that your software can be utilized on any screen size and that its content is accessible at every viewport size. They are built by the rules of continuous improvement. According to web design principles, the core functions and information should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the connection’s browser.

UI Resembling An App

Finding a way to combine the finest experience — one that is app-like — with the open nature of the web is the primary concept underlying PWAs.

Except for how they are downloaded, PWAs and native applications have very little in common from the user’s perspective. PWAs are created, released, updated, and shared differently from native apps. The app should have the same appearance and experience as a typical app, so include elements like an app icon to help it stand out and splash screens to give it that final touch.

Push Notification Features

Push notifications are a great tool for communicating in PWA. Customers can stay interested in your brand and open and use your app longer thanks to this effective message Digital strategy.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the technology behind the Progressive Web App has wrapped up with its native app counterpart in terms of functionality, given that the movement is always evolving.

Easily Installed 

Statistics show that people interact with installed apps more frequently than official websites. A PWA gives consumers the appearance, feel, and level of interaction of a typical app.

A PWA can be found using standard search engines like Google or Bing because it is a website with some extras. There is no need to sift through the mountains of new apps that appear daily in the app stores’ sea of apps. Installation of a PWA is simple and takes place in the background of the initial visit.

Home-Screen Save

PWA saves consumers from bookmarking websites and browsing through Play and App stores to find and download the necessary applications. After the PWA has been added, your user won’t require a web browser to use the program. Since it is visible on their Home Screen, they may always access it whenever possible.

The Pros Of A Progressive Web App 

The Progressive Web App (PWA) is a rapid web and app development innovation. Web and app solutions used to differ significantly, but today’s PWA offers a potent combination of a website and a native mobile app. Because a PWA can be used as both a mobile app and a website, it provides a single solution for all devices.

Improved Efficiency

The key benefit of a PWA is the faster user experience it provides. You may speed up the loading process by prioritizing resources, employing cache-first networking, and using adaptive loading based on network quality. This software improves website loading times, boosting user experience, customer loyalty, and retention rates. 

Least Development Cost

Specialists who develop progressive web apps employ a web stack, which is more time, effort, and cost-effective.

The rationale is that since a single progressive software may function well on Android and iOS and accommodate different devices, developers can create the program for several platforms.

The most economical option has been PWA. The intricacy of the project affects the price of PWA development. A small, less difficult project will take fewer man-hours to complete, greatly decreasing the price of building a PWA.

Progressive WebApps

User Satisfaction 

Thanks to progressive web applications, users benefit from a trustworthy experience. Service workers bring offline capabilities to the globe of P.W.A.s because of their technology and speed. This makes it possible to pre-cache the page for eventual offline consumption. This is fantastic for readers who live in places with subpar technology or inadequate connectivity. They can still have a wonderful time, and speaking with P.W.A.s provides a solid framework. The seamless upgrades of P.W.As are another factor in their reliability.

No Distribution Of Apps Via Third Parties

Putting your program in an app store is an additional expense for the project. Before the software may reach your end consumer, some stores charge a price and require the project to go through a cumbersome, drawn-out publishing and certification process. This approach increases costs and lengthens your average market time, which can occasionally result in missed opportunities for commercial holidays or the release of untested releases to make a deadline.

Storage Arrays And Consumption

Native programs need users to visit an app store, download, install, and grant all the necessary permissions to function, but these processes offer consumers plenty of time to change their minds. Users may skip it completely if an application is too large or consumes too much data. Progressive web applications load everything instantly as websites do. As a result, data usage and size issues disappear, greatly improving the likelihood that a user would continue with the PWA.

Integration 

The API includes support for progressive web applications, which feel natural to you and your device. APIs can help start and make P.W.A.s function similarly to other native apps. The API provides the perks of user interaction and aggressive application integration.

Quick Install

Progressive web apps do not necessitate a complex installation procedure, unlike their native mobile half-brother apps. The procedures are easy to

comprehend, so you don’t need to visit the app store. This lowers the likelihood that a user will uninstall the software. Users can also use the desktop icon to access the program.

Market Growth And Future For PWAs

PWAs have many benefits, such as being smaller, easier to maintain, less expensive to develop, and many more. According to most technology industry professionals, Progressive Web Applications are the way of the future.

The technology industry is investing significantly in PWAs as they gain popularity and customer engagement strategy. Progressive web applications have the potential to become the web applications of the future. 

Higher conversion rates, more sales, and greater profits. You want to accomplish all these things if you own an online store. The growth of mobile commerce offers companies countless opportunities to reach their target customers. Instead of only serving as an alternative to older websites, many companies started to create fully featured mobile apps. PWAs, however, have become more prevalent recently. And it’s not surprising given that it’s a more practical, user-focused, and cost-effective approach.

Mobile app development, security
Blog, Mobility

Best Practices to Build a Secure and Private Mobile App Experience

Mobile app development, security

The era of technology and smartphones is currently upon us. Our real lives now include mobile phones, and in addition to communication, many apps available can dramatically ease our daily lives. The mobile app is the most reliable and accessible medium for value exchange between brands and clients. In light of this, users may legitimately expect a secure app environment for their interactions, and developers must provide applications with the most modern built-in in-app security. Consequently, it is now more important to consider mobile application security and protect users’ critical information.

Mobile app security entails protecting iOS and Android applications from intrusions by malicious attackers and identifying any system risks while the app is still being designed and in real time after it has been launched. To harden the application against actual threats and stop new potential vulnerabilities, comprehensive mobile app security integrates security technology with standard practices from the application security field. Many businesses increasingly use mobile applications for teamwork and customer and employee communication. Now more than ever, mobile apps have access to a lot of sensitive data that needs to be secured by employing all-encompassing mobile application security.

Common Threats 

Safeguarding Data Storage

In plain text, insecure data storage vulnerabilities occur when applications store highly confidential information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. We require a robust security system to hold this sort of data. At most, one individual could suffer data loss due to insecure data storage.

Mobile app development, security

Scalability Of The Server And Attacks 

Whenever the quantity of simultaneous web traffic, or load, strikes the web server, a web server’s capacity to sustain a site’s availability, durability, and performance is termed scalability. Client-side cyberattacks target desktop software in particular. An attacker’s top priorities are programs like web browsers, media players, email clients, office suites, and other similar programs.

Exposed Sensitive Data

Any information intended to be shielded from illegal access is termed sensitive data. Anything from personally identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, account records, and login credentials, might be classified as sensitive data. Users risk having their sensitive data compromised when a hacker gets access to this data due to a data breach. The targets of sensitive data exposure are genetic data, biometric data processed only to identify a human being, health-related data, and facts about a person’s sexual life or orientation.

Incompetent Surveillance And Logging

Log monitoring is vital for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons seems to be that it can protect your servers and websites from going offline. Organizations need help figuring out what happens when a hostile insider with legitimate motives for accessing databases, using apps, changing system configurations, and obscuring information enters the system. Therefore, information about logging user access is essential for safeguarding data and averting data breaches.

Phishing

Phishing is a fraud in which a perpetrator uses the internet or other contact forms to pose as a reliable organization or individual. Attackers typically employ phishing emails to propagate malicious URLs or attachments that can perform several tasks. Some will use their victims to obtain login details or account information. Phishing is using email, text messages, or even phone calls to trick a target into divulging a password, clicking a link to download malware, or confirming a transaction.

Here, we explore some frequently used tactics to encrypt user data in apps.

Do Not Rely On Outside Sources

Documentation, websites, books, blogs, movies, photos, podcasts, and other media from other sources are included in this list. You don’t replicate from Wikipedia, dictionaries, or journals. It is worth looking for a team of developers with a track record of producing top-notch apps by employing a secure code source to avoid putting your app at risk and ensure high security.

Mobile app development, security

Be Wary When Integrating APIs

API integration should be approached with prudence. If not implemented correctly, it could lead to a poor user experience and application performance. The following suggestions can assist you in integrating APIs productively. Ensure your APIs are robust against common security risks and data theft. By integrating tried-and-true APIs from credible vendors, you can manage your important apps while providing a strong user experience.

 

Secure The App’s Backend.

To thwart automated assaults, use multi-factor authentication.

Encourage the user to adopt a strong password policy. Limit the number of failed login attempts. Use the hashing algorithm.

Vast Amounts Of Sensitive Information Are Stored On An App

Compared to storage media in a cloud environment, storage media in a data center is considerably easier to monitor for security and illegal access. Developers prefer to put sensitive data in the device’s local memory to keep it hidden from consumers. While it’s best to avoid keeping your private information on your app and mobile device, you should employ encrypted data containers or key chains if there is no other choice. Add the auto-deleting feature, which defaults to delete data after a set amount of time, to limit the log further.

Safeguard App-to-App Communication

Use implicit intents with an app chooser, permissions based on identities, and non-exported content owners to communicate across apps more seamlessly. Use signature-based permissions to share data between two apps that you own or are in control of. These permissions ensure that the data-accessed apps are signed with the same signing key rather than requiring user confirmation. As a result, these permissions provide a more straightforward, safer user experience.

Know The Platform’s Drawbacks

Employ an SDK to handle the management components to manage enterprise requirements such as social media integration and support, mobile app use cases, mobile app management, app development approaches, and more. The first step is understanding the client’s needs for administering the specific mobile app while considering mobile OS and platform-specific obstacles.

Conclusion

Now, think smarter: Is your smartphone only a caller ID or text messaging device? In actuality, no; since the demanding expansion of your company and the abundance of sensitive data you store there, it has become a prime target for theft via hackers. It would help if you acted appropriately to shield your smartphone and mobile app to prevent a mishap from striking. Take advantage of these tips on mobile app security, whether you have an existing mobile app or intend to develop one. Work with a mobile application development company that gives your business a competitive edge. It is the only way to deter hackers and improve customer experience.

Blog, Energy & Utilities, Technology

How is Technology Improving the Energy Industry?

technology in energy industry

Energy is a critical factor in any industry or nation’s development; efficient methods of producing and supplying uninterrupted energy at a lower cost are necessary for sustainable economic growth. Hence, innovative technologies are needed to reduce energy losses and make the energy sector more efficient by delivering smooth flow over several energy inputs or sources.  The power and Energy sector is constantly bombarded with the challenge of supplying increased bulk amounts of efficient, environmentally friendly, easy-to-handle, low-cost energy that can be transported without heavy transmitting losses.  So, this industry heavily depends on investments in relevant scientific research and development. The traditional outlook of innovation in this sector ( closed innovation)   has been replaced by the new ideology called  Open Innovation (OI). This helped the energy industry harness huge revenue in the last decade. 

To face the growing energy demand, extensive research was done on variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, which eventually led to disruptive innovations in harnessing energy from sources like ‘bioenergy,’’ pulp and paper,’ ‘wind’ etc. The share of Global Energy Generation through renewables has gone up to 23.2%, according to the IEA report. 

 Technology  innovations in Smart grids 

 The deep penetration of ever-developing information technology in the energy sector has led to the introduction and enhancement of smart grids.  Grave Environmental concerns about energy generation and transmission have met with some respite after developing smart grids. The global smart grid investments were USD 270 billion in 2019 and will go beyond USD 290 billion by 2021. Technological disruptions in the field of smart grids have witnessed the incubation and growth of technologies like distributed generation and microgrids.

Energy policies across different regions also play an important role in the research, development, and implementation of new technologies in the energy sector. ‘ Decorbonbated Energy’ should be the future goal of all developing nations. Keeping this goal at the center of research and development, countries are now trying to create more and more ‘Smart Cities’ that have renewable energy sources and run with AI-powered smart energy networks. The challenges large industries and businesses face in reaching sustainability goals while considering the biggest challenge, i.e., the least environmental impact, can largely be overcome using 5G networks and AI-powered networks in energy and power industries.

Big Data and AI technologies in the energy sector

The role of AI and Big Data in ‘predictive maintenance’ and ‘efficiency boosting’  in the energy sector is a promising research area for the ever-increasing energy demand.

The integration of variable energy sources, especially renewable energy sources, energy supply, and the demand for smart and intelligent digital circuits that can analyze and act automatically, can be achieved through AI-based neural networks.  According to the report by ScienceDirect’s Journal of Cleaner Production,’ AI  has the enormous power to integrate IoT with renewables and can do a remarkable make-over to the existing energy sectors. After the AI deployment, the Energy industries may be called ‘ smart energy industries ‘ with sophisticated power electronics, supercomputers, etc. According to the report ‘ The United States Power Policy 2018’ on four crucial objectives for AI development,  ‘The Government of UAE: 2017 ’ wishes to promote research and implementation of AI in many sectors, including renewable energy. Many other developed and developing countries followed forte and started investing in the deployment of AI in the energy industry.

Big data and AI applications:

Source: ScienceDirect

According to the ‘ Journal of Big Data’ published by Springer, the power systems incorporating multimedia technologies in power dispatching and communication systems become more stable and reliable. Implementing big data in power systems has also proven to make accurate predictions and improve evaluation efficiency.

A case study of China’s coal-fired power industry on energy conservation potentials using the latest technology: Energy policy.

This study integrates the ‘ Conservation Supply Curve Approach (CSC)’ and ‘ Break Even Analysis’ to analyze the benefits of 32 new technologies in coal-fired power industries. According to this research paper, if these 32 new technologies are used in the coal-fired power industry, there is a conservation potential of 275.77 Mt with a cost of 238.82 billion yuan.

Conclusion:

New technologies like AI,  Big Data, and more are redefining the meaning of efficient power generation. With the demand for renewable power increasing worldwide every day, minimizing power losses during power generation and transmission has become the primary goal of all the stakeholders involved in this industry. Predictive models of power networks using AI and Big Data that can accurately predict sudden power losses and discrepancies are becoming the need of the hour. Raising  Environmental concerns vowing to the growing demand for power renewables can be put to rest by using intelligent technologies like AI-powered neural networks and 5G in the power industry.

Blog, Internet of Things

The Difference between IoT and IIoT

IIoT, Industrial IoT

Monitoring technological developments and understanding how they may affect production always requires more work. Failure to keep up with the latest advancements could have disastrous consequences for your company’s standing in the market. However, staying abreast of the most recent technological innovations is a formidable challenge.

Nowadays, most factories are familiar with cloud computing, AI, and ML. But where do IoT and IIoT fit in? In many cases of digital transformation, a connection is essential, but you might not be aware of its importance. The following article pits IoT vs. IIoT and explains their differences.

 

What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?

It’s a network of self-aware computer devices that create larger systems for industrial-scale data collection, monitoring, and analysis. The IIoT is primarily concerned with applications in the industrial sector, including but not limited to the production of goods, electricity generation, agriculture, and the extraction and processing of oil and gas.

Is IIoT a subset of IoT?

To put IIoT vs. IoT differently, IIoT is a subset of IoT specializing in industrial purposes. The Internet of Intelligent Things (IIoT) relies heavily on intelligent devices, facilitating greater information sharing and real-time data analysis and capture. Improved speed and precision in making business decisions are only two of the ways IIoT helps businesses expand, as they enhance their understanding of and ability to optimize their core business operations.

  • Increased visibility into plant efficiency and results at all levels is made possible by training workers on new technologies.
  • Insightful ideas for saving money without compromising quality or time in production.
  • Countering the present labor/skills gap with a productive and cost-effective workforce.
  • More excellent prowess in computer and data analysis tools like AI and ML.

Through IIoT and IoT platforms, you can monitor your company’s health by collecting and analyzing data in real time. This establishes a network architecture conducive to an organizational setting with an eye toward the future.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected, autonomous electronic devices that may gather and share data without human intervention through built-in IOT sensors, electronics, software, connectivity to the Internet, and identifiers and networks. It’s a wireless technology that’s becoming increasingly popular. 

The primary purpose of the Internet of Things (IoT) is to empower previously “dumb” devices with computational power, allowing them to connect and share information via the Internet in real-time without the need for human intervention. Everyday items like thermostats, irrigation systems, kitchen appliances, and televisions can all be linked to the Internet via IoT wireless technology. 

  • It can help make homes and towns easier to manage from afar using IoT wireless technology. This can improve safety and shield people from harm.
  • Time is saved because routine tasks are automated.
  • We can access information regardless of our physical location, which is constantly updated in real-time.
  • Direct connection and two-way communication between electronic devices and a controller computer (or even a mobile phone) allow for more efficient power consumption.
  • IoT devices’ interconnectedness and seamless communication allow them to perform various functions with minimal human input.

Differences Between IIoT and IoT

When comparing IoT vs. IIoT, particular key distinctions must be made. For example, consider the following:

A subsection of Particular Interest

The oil and gas, electric utility, and manufacturing sectors are the primary targets of the Industrial Internet of Things. In contrast, IoT is designed for individual use in private settings like homes and offices.

Scale of Application

Millions of individuals might use the output of an IIoT system. However, the Internet of Things is best used for localized, in-home automation that caters to the needs of a limited group of individuals.

Sensor Usage

The IIoT utilizes sensors of all kinds, from pressure and MEMS sensors to velocity, RFID, and torque measuring devices. Alternatively, the Internet of Things relies on relatively simple IoT sensors to monitor temperature, motion, and water levels.

Programming and Networking

Large-scale networking systems are required for IIoT to allow a production manager to monitor factories from a central location. The IIoT apps can be programmed remotely and in real time. Businesses also require an in-house IIoT programmer for maintenance purposes.

In contrast, most smart home devices can be easily programmed by downloading an app on your smartphone.

Security Protocols

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, in-transit data authentication, at-rest data encryption, continuous server monitoring, closed-loop systems, and thumbprint login are all essential components of a secure IIoT architecture.

Comparatively, less stringent network IoT security measures are needed to safeguard users’ private information. To now, data privacy has proven to be the most pressing concern regarding IoT security.

Cost

The Internet of Things and the Industrial Internet of Things rely on physical components like sensors, network infrastructure, and embedded systems. However, IIoT devices require a higher level of precision than IoT devices, making IIoT systems more expensive.

Because IIoT works in mission-critical business domains like manufacturing, machinery monitoring, etc., it requires higher-end devices with more precision.

Complexity

IIoT applications are far superior to IoT ones. As technology develops, it becomes more difficult to implement IIoT applications.

Rugged Usage

Instruments, sensors, and gadgets used in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) must work in high-velocity, high-temperature, and high-grease conditions. Manufacturers put in extra effort to ensure that their products withstand abuse. In addition, the cloud and the networks themselves require routine upkeep.

In contrast, smart home devices are not designed for heavy use and have a shorter lifespan than their industrial counterparts.

Requirements

The ultimate goal for the Internet of Things is maximizing consumer comfort, while the ultimate goal for the Industrial Internet of Things is maximizing return on investment. The Internet of Things (IoT) is centered on managing home equipment that improves user experience by reducing utility costs (like power use).

In addition to connecting equipment and people, IIoT employs data analytics to improve crucial systems like healthcare, aerospace, and factory automation. IIoT aims to increase the availability of company operations and decrease downtime.

Final Words

The number of Internet-enabled gadgets in people’s homes, workplaces, and industries is expected to grow during the next few years. Learn the critical distinctions between consumer and industrial IoT devices.

In our comparison of IIoT vs. IoT, you can see how the Internet of Things technology may be used in two very different settings: industrial and consumer. IoT applications are different from IIoT. Some examples of the internet of things include IoT in healthcare, banking IoT, and much more. If you are just getting started in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, you can use these resources to help you get up to speed.

Blog, Design

How Design Thinking can Make Your Mobile App Stand Out

design thinking

Mobile applications are flooding everywhere. They are developed nowadays for anything and everything that can be made or defined as an application. Every user’s needs and queries can be projected into mobile applications. Why all this importance and stress on mobile applications alone? Smartphones have almost become an integral part of human life. There is a frenzied race amongst downloadable applications available for every purpose, as successful applications generate huge revenue. Even the most consumer-centric mobile applications may be ignored in the stifling competition they face today. 

With mobile service providers and developers launching more features every season, the scope for developing appealing and user-friendly mobile applications is also exponentially growing. So how to beat the competition and stand out big? Mobile application development technology has also undergone a revolutionary change over the past few years, creating a larger scope for attractive and friendly design. The key to standing out and being considered appealing and desirable for the consumer is that the mobile applications should be designed aesthetically and usably to grab the attention of the target users and then retain it. 

What influences users to choose a particular mobile application over the other?

Statistics prove that with app choices galore, users tend to use the ones made of design frameworks with the following main features embedded in them apart from a few customized features.

  1. Appeal
  2. Ease of use
  3. Value
  4. Fun and entertainment
  5. Social support
  6. Security
  7. Usability

Apart from the parameters mentioned above, the designer should be perceptive to predict user sentiments and requirements through thorough market research. Incorporating design elements that include user emotions is the challenge of defining a mobile application’s success. The application that stands out is the one that can strike a balance between perceptions of aesthetics and usability.

Emerald Insight published an in-depth report on the aesthetics of a mobile application on perceived usefulness and trust. This report reinstates the app design fact that “ what is beautiful is good ” to a large extent.

Since users use various mobile devices and their screen sizes also vary extensively, RWD ( Responsive Web Design) is a design approach that can dynamically adjust application web pages to the mobile phone used by the user.

A case study of the ‘ travel’ mobile application

Excerpt based on science direct

A survey of 804 tourists was conducted using the ‘ User Acceptance Testing’ model to propose a ‘ Stimulus-Organism-Response’ to evaluate the Mobile Application design and App performance attributes. The result concludes that mobile travel applications are mainly defined by two design attributes: 1. The user-interface design, and 2. privacy. The performance attributes that make a mobile application stand ahead of its competitors are 1. Compatibility 2. Ease of use, and 3. Relative advantage. Furthermore, the survey reveals that the psychological and behavioral perceptions of the mobile application as good, according to the end users, are hedonic, utilitarian, and social benefits. An application for travel and tourism can be greatly enhanced by considering all the abovementioned issues. 

Mobile Live Streaming Shopping (MLSS) platform design

According to the science direct “ journal of retailing and consumer services.”

This mobile application design should focus mainly on consumer streamer interaction, promoting sales conversion, and improving consumer satisfaction. According to this study, the elements of mobile application design are rules that can convey a positive message to the user and, at the same time, influence the consumer’s attitude and behavioral intentions towards the application. When groomed well and incorporated into the design, this aspect is “ understanding consumer perception from a microscopic and multifaceted perspective.”

How to affect the user’s mobile application download intention?

Abstract from Association of Information Systems: AISeL

When several apps are available for a single functionality, the user’s download intent depends on the user’s personality and age group. Though the application’s aesthetics play an important role often, the age group and the intended target user’s personality might play a significant role compared to app attractiveness. Switching cost, which is defined as the user’s ability to opt for another application substitute, might also depend on reviews and ratings rather than Application design alone. 

Conclusion

Visual aesthetics plays an important role in increasing the user’s download intent. Since the visual aesthetics of a Mobile application is a design blend of cleanliness, color, hue, symmetry, ease of navigation, creativity, special effects, etc. Mobile application designers should come out with unique solutions customized to the utilitarian needs of the application to make the application stand out. Design parameters have to be manipulated so that the look and feel of the application strike a balance between the personality of the user who wishes to use the application and the attractiveness of the application.

Blockchain, Blockchain in Gaming
Blockchain, Blog, Gamification

The Role of Blockchain in Transforming the Gaming Industry

Blockchain, Blockchain in Gaming

The mushrooming of online games over the last decade has led to the demand for more competitive and secure online gaming platforms. The ease with which users can play, access secure assets, and easily transact without much latency necessitated the development of online gaming software.  It has been noticed that Users started showing more interest and enthusiasm in online gaming in recent years. This can be attributed to rapidly developing technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual reality. To stay competitive in the market, which is undergoing drastic changes every day with changing technologies, the gaming industry is always looking for easier and safer solutions that can sustain the competition in the long run. Blockchain technology is proving to make disruptive advancements in the gaming industry. When blockchain technology is teamed with AI and VR, it can revolutionize gaming and take it into new dimensions.

How can gaming be made more interesting and economically beneficial?

A few ways in which gaming can become more competitive and popular is by grabbing customer attraction and then inventing innovative methods to retain customers. To do this, Blockchain, which uses Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), might offer the best solution by expanding the gaming ecosystem and diversifying gaming, improving the monetization of secure gaming assets, providing facilities like customized advertisements, etc. Since a permissioned Blockchain network offers low cost and throughput without much latency, and a permissionless Blockchain network offers immutability and transparency, they can be securely used for gaming software for unknown customer interactions and trusted user interactions in gaming.

Gaming with Blockchain has come a long way since the first of its sought, i.e., CryptoKitties. After being launched in 2017, this game had around 40000 players per day, and the blockchain technology used in this game was using the Ethereum network to run the game. But this game was considered expensive. It showed transactional delays, but the performance could still be improved. It also had some scalability issues. Now, many blockchain-based gambling games, online casinos, trading online games, etc., are being played extensively by users across the globe.

Blockchain, Blockchain in Gaming

A survey on the rapid growth of eGaming:

Over the past few years, it has been proven that Gaming is no longer an entertainment activity alone that is done for fun. Still, it is a rapidly growing industry estimated to be worth about 138 billion USD in 2019. The Olympic committee is contemplating introducing eSports in the 2024 Olympics, as the Asian Games have already introduced eSports into their competitive program in the Asian games held in 2020. The projected revenue through online gaming is about 2.96 Billion USD by the end of 2022. 

CloudArcade

According to the ACM digital library report of 2020 CloudArcade, a gaming system developed using Blockchain architecture, the ‘spot price’ of gaming assets used in the dynamic pricing model was replaced with Cryptocurrency. This replacement enabled the user to use a transparent resource-aware payment method, increasing gaming performance.

GiNA

According to the report published by IEEE international conference on Communication dated 14-23 June 2021, GiNA is a type of packet transfer scheme which is used in the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) gaming models, which makes sure that the data transfer in this type of gaming models is secure and authenticate. In this model, peers (gaming users) can buy gaming assets through ‘ Gicoins,’ which comply with the ERC 20 token of Ethereum. The results have proven to overcome gaming challenges like scalability, performance, packet loss percentage, latency, etc.

What is crowd-sensing technology, and how can gaming technology change exponentially to create public awareness about any social issue?

The concept of bringing awareness on public environmental issues, like water contamination, soil degradation, etc., can be better addressed through gaming platforms, which can be both entertaining and informative. Mobile crowd sensing through gaming can help give roles, identify specific problem areas, and validate solutions through gaming tasks. A Blockchain model devised on the Hyperledger Fabric Architecture can help to a large extent in inducing the component of trust amongst the various users of the mobile cloud sensing platform.

Conclusion

Since online gaming has increased internet traffic by 7 million bytes per month and data is controlled by centralized cloud agencies and game creators, latency and security have become the biggest challenges of eSports. So, there is an urgent need for a decentralized gaming platform with Blockchain technology. The blockchain technology used with mobile crowdsensing and gaming can reap the benefits of gaming to enhance environmental awareness as well. Blockchain technological advancements in gaming are very promising as they will greatly reduce gaming latency to a large extent, making gaming experiences feel like real experiences.

Blockchain, Blockchain in Finances
Blockchain, Blog, Financial Services

The Role of Blockchain in Enhancing Financial Security

Blockchain, Blockchain in Finances

In a world where businesses are rapidly changing towards total digitalization, considering all the benefits that digitalization offers, security is also a constant threat to security. Digitalized Industries and businesses rely heavily on the security of transactions amongst their clients, customers, and all the other financial stakeholders.

Digital transactions, though very smooth and easy, make them vulnerable to cybercrime and fraud. To address this issue, innovative businesses are advised to be aware of the fast-developing blockchain technology, which promises more security and makes financial transactions smooth and fraud-free. As we see, blockchain technology can act as an immutable ledger of all transactions across many business networks.  It can maintain, track, and record the business’s tangible and intangible assets, making them more secure.

A Blockchain network is designed to be a peer-to-peer network where every device or computer in the business network can act as a node, client, or server. Resources are decentralized in this model, but the user list is maintained in a centralized database, making it difficult to hack the systems and enhance financial security.  Blockchain technology was earlier known to be associated only with cryptocurrency and Bitcoins, but the model seems to be rapidly being improvised to other areas that demand financial security.

How supply chain management can be financially secured using Blockchain?

In industries like the food and pharmaceutical sectors, supply chain management involves several layers of traceability of the products and ingredients. Modern food and pharmaceutical supply chains are far more complex and fragmented. Customers are now as concerned about the product’s safety along the supply chain as the safety of the final deliverable. Traceability along the upward and downward direction at any point of the supply chain becomes crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of the deliverable product. In industries that deal with food supply chain management, a lack of proper traceability along the supply chain results in food contamination and illness in consumers. This can cause severe financial losses for the industry, public mistrust, and ill health among consumers. When used with traceability tools like IoT and Radio Frequency Identification(RFID), blockchain technology makes traceability in complex FSC networks secure and safe to a very large extent. ‘Smart contracts’ can be generated, and blockchain networks can help the consumers trace backward from any point in the chain to even the input stages of the chain in a safe, secure manner. A case study of the benefits of blockchain by “ Taylor and Francis” enabled dairy supply chain management shows the financial security that can be attained through this technology.

Blockchain technology in the stock market

The concepts of immutability, anonymity, traceability, and security are the main factors driving stock markets worldwide to adapt to blockchain networks. Blockchain networks in stock markets can trace securities lending and accurately monitor system risk, enhancing financial security. The IGIGLOBAL abstract illustrates the advantages of blockchain technology in the stock market.

The birth of cryptocurrency through Blockchain

Blockchain, Blockchain in Finances

Blockchain technology saw the birth and nurturing of cryptocurrency (completely digital currency). The main product of this is the advent of Bitcoin. Some financial analysts today vouch that ‘ paper currency’ and monetary transactions through physical currency, as it is now in the world, are in their last stages. Since every financial transaction worldwide is increasingly digitalized, cryptocurrency will only be the currency used for day-to-day transactions shortly. This, though it is a still budding possibility, is making academicians and industrial analysts delve more into blockchain development as it promises financial security with all its other advantages.

According to the twenty-ninth international conference on AI, Phishing is possible in cryptocurrency transactions using Ethereum. Hence, blockchain networks should be enhanced with better algorithms that can arrest phishing. This will enhance the financial security of cryptos going forward.

Conclusion

Blockchain-enabled networks will reduce cost, instill customer satisfaction, increase audibility, improve communication, guarantee data interoperability, and enhance financial security. Blockchain technology is still in its infancy, and technological innovation in this domain is happening rapidly. Blockchain will be the future for many areas like cryptocurrency, accounting and auditing, health care e-commerce, energy, advanced blockchain network algorithms, IoT, and  Deep Learning Tools to ensure financial security.

Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Blog

How AI is Helping Agriculture with Smart Solutions

smart farming

Agricultural dynamics underwent drastic changes over the last decade.  With agricultural Land becoming a critical resource daily, dependence on man-run machines for large-scale and small-scale farming alone is becoming less productive. 

With the advancement in the tertiary sector, the availability of farming labor and expertise in rural areas is becoming a bottleneck in agriculture’s profits and productivity.  Like any other field, AI-driven agriculture is the most viable solution for many farming-based problems. AI technologies are rendering smart solutions for agriculture in the areas of:

  • Land assessment and preparation
  • Sowing 
  • Assessing the kind of fertilizers and crop nutrients required
  • Disease predictions and handling with appropriate insecticides and quantities needed of insecticides
  • Harvesting 
  • Storing and transporting

According to the Academia report

A 30% increase in crop yield has been noted in Andhra Pradesh, India, in farms adapted to Microsoft-driven AI technologies for Agriculture.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Estimate, the world’s agricultural yield has to increase by 70% by 2050 to cater to the population at that time with the current agricultural land holdings. After Agriculture 4.0, agricultural practices have been enhanced with Automated unmanned decision-making systems (agricultural robotics), Big Data, and AI. 

 

AI now offers a wide range of smart solutions for enhancing Agricultural output easily, provided farmers can overcome social and educational barriers.

Computer Vision Technology:-

What is computer vision technology?

Any machine fitted with a camera and a computer programmed to see, record, process data, and investigate is said to be a machine with “ computer vision technology.” This does the dual work of observing and analyzing data by a human eye with precision. This technology reduces errors due to dependence on human assessment as it processes previous data to arrive at conclusions. Hence, when this technology is adapted to agricultural practices, farmers can benefit by yielding more with high efficiency and low costs. The future of agriculture will be solely based on technologies combining Computer Vision Technology with deep learning technologies, which will cause massive agricultural disruption.

Some practical applications for smart  AI solutions in agriculture using Computer Vision technology:- 

  • Crop and soil Monitoring

Nutrients peasant in the soil define the quality and usability of a particular soil for the growth of a specific crop type. This is also, to a large extent, the deciding factor for crop yield productivity. UAV drones will be used to take images of the soil and the crop (after sowing), and intelligent computer vision models will be used to interpret these images so crop yield predictions can be made and crop health can be monitored and corrected as and when required.

  • Automatic Weeding

Removing weeds manually or through herbicides is a big challenge in any crop management system. Computer vision technology can solve the problem of identifying weeds by intelligently processing crop monitoring images. Suppose these intelligent algorithms are substantiated with machine learning tools to develop a robot that can de-weed automatically. In that case, it saves a lot of manual intervention, time, and cost with precision. It also reduces dependence on unhealthy herbicides. This type of agriculture gives true meaning to organic farming.

According to the V7 report, an Agricultural Robot for de-weeding named the BoniRob has a camera-aided computer. This removes weeds by bolting the robotic arm into the earth.

Use of Intelligent Sensor Techniques in Agriculture

This technology is a smart AI solution for limited-resource farming with minimum human effort. This kind of technology is rapidly gaining momentum in the ‘Aeroponics’ type of agriculture. 

What is aeroponics?

This is a modern agricultural technology in which the entire crop cycle is controlled by a well-monitored system where quantities of desired nutrient mists are sprayed on crops that do not require soil for growth and development. Nutrients control the entire crop cycle, and the controlling parameters are temperature, PH, water-nutrient levels, light intensity, amount of CO2 required, Automated time interval, etc. 

Intelligent Sensors or wireless sensors fitted into this agricultural system will greatly help in early fault detection and correction. This enables the farmer to monitor and control the farming parameters remotely without delay. The Hindawi Journal of Sensors did an excellent review of the Aeroponics farming system using intelligent sensors.

Machine learning in agriculture with 5G IoT

The next generation of smart agricultural technology will be smart farming using IoT with the aid of cloud computing over a futuristic 5G network. This will solve the problem of “ how to develop a completely human-independent, secured, efficient, cost-effective farming system that is environmentally friendly?” This type of smart farming will make the entire crop cycle, from planting to harvesting, completely automatic with the help of remote monitoring. According to the Science Direct abstract, a survey was conducted on the impacts of the 5G network on agriculture.

Conclusion

The advent of Disruptive technologies in agriculture, like the AI agricultural and Farming technologies, is changing the very meaning of Agriculture. Agricultural practices of the last decade are rapidly being replaced with smart farming methods like aquaponics, permaculture, hydroponics, etc., aided by smart AI tools.

IoT, IoT blogs
Blog, Internet of Things

The Top IoT Blogs To Follow In 2022 And Beyond

internet of things, internet of things blogs

The internet of things is revolutionizing human lives as you read this. And these changes are taking place at a swift pace. Following IoT blogs is the way to stay up-to-date on all the latest developments and learn how to implement them in your business. But which are the top blogs on IoT? Let’s find out. 

Blockchains, cryptocurrency, AI, and IoT are some of the most popular internet topics. To capitalize on the popularity of certain keywords, opportunists are creating low-quality blogs on these topics. So, finding dedicated IoT blogs that share genuine IoT news might be challenging. The following discussion shall help you in that regard.

Why Should You Follow the Top IoT Blogs? 

The main reason for following top IoT blogs is to stay up to date on the latest developments. These blogs are also a source of authentic IoT news. And all this information helps you visualize the future better. 

You can also understand how to use these changes to your advantage. Therefore, you must learn to evolve with these developments. 

However, it is hard for novice readers to identify these blogs. For instance, many websites that blog IoT only try to drive traffic with clickbait-type titles. In reality, their articles are just rephrased materials and offer no real value. 

On the other hand, genuine IoT blogs offer valuable insights into this sector. Their posts are derived from original research. Plus, the writers on these sites are actual experts in this field. So, the material they provide can enrich the reader. 

The internet of things is ushering in a new era of business and technology. And those who fail to keep pace with it will find them outside the race. Following IoT blogs is a must for every business leader and aspiring entrepreneur.

Top IoT Blogs You Should Follow In 2022

Any business or tech enthusiast can’t help but follow IoT blogs. Due to the topic’s popularity, various sites have sprung up on the internet. So, to compile the following list, two criteria were of chief consideration- expertise of the creators and positive reviews from the readers. So, let’s learn about some of the top IoT blogs.


  1. [x]cube LABS blog

[x]cube LABS has been helping businesses with their digital transformation journey for quite some time, which makes them one of the significant forces making the Internet of Things a reality. So, no wonder they have one of the best IoT blogs. 

You can gain valuable insights and learn about the latest developments in the world of IoT when you follow the [x]cube LABS blog. They cover topics like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the impact of IoT in healthcare, retail business, and other sectors. So, if you want to educate yourself quickly on IoT, this is your ideal source. 

Additionally, the blog covers trending and essential topics like blockchain, digital finance, and digital transformation. So, you can enrich yourself with those pieces, too. Finally, [x]cube is a trusted AWS IoT partner. Therefore, their IoT blog is essential for dedicated tech entrepreneurs.


  1. DZone 

DZone is a renowned publisher of informative blog posts centered around coding and IoT. Their articles on programming attract many software developers to this platform. As a result, DZone has created one of the largest global communities of tech enthusiasts actively contributing to the IoT world. 

The DZone blog sees thousands of visitors every day. And most of them are already experts and advanced learners in their fields. Therefore, DZone strives to produce only the most authentic and authoritative content on the topics. 

On this website, you can access nearly 70,000 articles, making it one of the most enriched IoT blogs. You can also interact with posts through comments, likes, and shares. At the same time, you can submit your articles and make your voice known in the community. 


  1. IoT World Today 

One of the main criteria for top IoT blogs is that real players in the field generate the content. From that aspect, IoT World Today demands you follow it. Real-life IoT decision-makers, implementers, and business managers contribute to this blog, and it is also their source for getting the latest IoT news. 

IoT, IoT blogs

At IoT World Today, you can get information on the latest developments in IoT. Plus, you can learn about valuable case studies regarding the technologies used in IoT, such as the infrastructure and development tools. The blog provides a fundamental analysis of the IoT news and reports it publishes. 

You can quickly become a site member and newsletter subscriber. This will grant you access to top-quality and free articles and other relevant content on IoT. You might also be interested in the platform’s conference series. These events are excellent for those who seek advice from the most experienced figures in the IoT world. 


  1. Deloitte’s The Internet of Things blog

Deloitte has one of the best blogs on IoT. This blog is a content outlet for their main business- financial advisory services. Almost ninety percent of companies in the Fortune Global 500 owe a portion of their success to the consultation that Deloitte offered. 

So, you can easily understand that Deloitte delivers some of the most authentic IoT and digital finance content on the internet. The platform has a history spanning 175 years. Throughout all this time, its primary mission has been to enrich the average person with financial knowledge. This becomes evident from the quality of content it offers on its blog. 


  1. IoT For All

IoT for all is a popular source of news and knowledge among professionals in this field. They, too, share their experience and insights on the platform. So, it is one of the best IoT blogs for getting in touch with real people in the field. 

The platform has always been where players of the IoT world have come to develop their businesses. So, ‘IoT For All’ has always deemed it a responsibility to deliver the most informative and up-to-date content for its readers. 

You can find articles covering all aspects of IoT, such as smart homes, business development, architecture, property management, education, and healthcare. 


  1. Boston Consulting Group: Internet of Things 

The “Boston Consulting Group” has helped many businesses to adopt IoT. And their IoT blog indeed reflects this expertise and experience in regularly publishing informative content. 

You can find valuable insights regarding IoT adoption in their blogs. The contributors also share various strategies to overcome the critical steps in digital transformation. 

The Internet of Things is more than connecting a few devices. It includes implementing upcoming technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality. This blog explains how these all come together. 


  1. IoT Analytics

No matter how many IoT news articles or informative IIoT blog posts you read, none of them is helpful without proper analysis. Many newcomers might not have the necessary capacity to do that. This is where following IoT Analytics can be beneficial. 

IoT Analytics is one of the best analytical blogs on IoT. You can learn how Cloud, AI, and Industry 4.0 blend in the IoT ecosystem. They regularly publish posts on all kinds of topics related to IoT. And the platform’s recent research and informed opinions enrich their articles.

Conclusion

Are you planning to be the next great business in the coming decades? Or are you just someone looking to educate themselves on the future of finance and people’s overall lifestyle? 

Whatever your case is, you can surely benefit from following these IoT blogs.

digital technologies, trending technologies
Blog, Technology

Top Technology Trends in 2022 and Beyond

digital technologies, trending technologies

On-the-go enterprise planning by incorporating evolving technologies is the current business dynamic. As we have seen, AI tools are changing how businesses make profits by appealing to a larger consumer base. Similarly, 2022 has seen the advent and development of many technologies like datafication, smart devices, extended reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning software and tools. The sustainable business models will be the ones that owe their success to developing their intelligent digital networks and AI-based ecosystems.  Developing the business architecture of an enterprise with Interactive customer-based ecosystems will make them sustainable in the competitive business environment. Creating business models that dynamically adapt and incorporate evolving technologies is crucial.

Insight into Some technologies of  2022

The digital twin: What is it all about?

As the definition goes, a “digital twin” is a program capable of simulating any real-time object, thing, or business process. In essence, a digital twin gives the advantage of correcting any failure in the process of development of the product or process even while manufacturing. ‘ digital twin’ development is done using AI and machine learning tools and software. The use of ‘digital twin’ is critical for businesses where the cost of failure is high and becomes a niche consideration for profitability. Developing ‘ digital twins’ also helps in the process and product evaluation without actual testing, as the digital twin can be analyzed and assessed virtually for performance and failure issues. 

Check out the KPMG case study, for instance.

Many major cloud providers have adapted to the digital twin models. Microsoft developed “ digital twin ontology” for the construction business. AWS developed digital twin technology called” IoT TwinMaker and FleetWise “ for vehicle fleets and industrial equipment. Google again launched a digital twin service called “ Logistics and Manufacturing.”

Digital twins can extensively be used in manufacturing industries as they can be used to do fatigue and corrosion testing without much cost.

Datafication:

What is the datafication of a business, and how do traditional and datafied companies differ?

The concept of datafication acquired its real meaning when digitally competitive businesses, unlike the traditional ones, started implementing “predictive analysis” of their business outcomes using the latest technologies of “ big data” analysis.

Datafication means the conversion of every business model activity into data; it is just not the digitization of data available in a business model. Digitization can be understood as the simple conversion of an organization’s analog data into digital data. It is far more than that. Datafication means converting every physical activity in the business process into data. Datafication will revolutionize any kind of business and enterprise model. For developing, say, a “ smart city,” waste management, energy management, etc, can be achieved by adapting to relevant  “ datafication” models.

Predictive business models like Google search and Netflix recommendations rely totally on datafication. Datafication relies on the “Four V” concept, which is: 

  1. Volume: the extent of the volume of data that the technology used can store, process, and analyze. 
  2. Velocity: the speed at which the data can be analyzed and processed
  3. Variety: the extent of varied kinds of data that the model can handle

4 Value: many business models depend on the security and value a business can guarantee its customers while handling their data. Value is an important aspect of datafication that is gaining momentum nowadays.

Netflix uses “the Netflix recommender system,” which runs customized “datafication” algorithms that analyze socio-technical user data to allow viewers worldwide to view their preferred content.

3D printing:

digital technologies, trending technologies

This technology is also known as “ digital fabrication technology.” It’s making rapid strides in the healthcare, automobile, aviation, energy, and agriculture industries.

 According to the https://www.sciencedirect.com/ report:-

“Bimetallic 3D-printed Ectroctalysts” is a promising technology that can be an alternative for energy conversion devices using nonrenewable, exhaustible, and expensive carbon-fossil-based fuels. However, technology is yet to develop to produce less expensive metal electrodes.

Laser-powder bed fusion -LSBF” is an additive digital fabrication technology gaining impetus in various manufacturing industries. This technology allows the industry to develop high-power, corrosion-resistant industrial components. Much research is being conducted on LSBF-produced 316L SS steel. This variety of steel can be extensively used in industries that manufacture high-grade components, from utensils to nuclear and aerospace industries.

Conclusion:

To conclude, “Business Intelligence” is the keyword that is picking up, and enterprise adaptation to technologies like “ datafication” is increasingly necessary for businesses to stay relevant in the face of competition. Many emerging technologies, such as smart devices, extended reality, genomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc., have been morphing business networks and revolutionizing performance, quality, and productivity.

IoT, IoT Solutions
Blog, Internet of Things

IoT Solutions Commonly Used Across Key Industries

IoT, IoT Solutions

IoT (Internet of Things) is a system of computing devices designed to communicate with one another and share data without human interaction. IoT solutions offer matchless opportunities to several industries and businesses to integrate all devices into a common network. These solutions allow sectors and companies to optimize operations, collect more data, and save time and money. Recent statistics reveal that the number of connected IoT devices will reach 25.4 billion worldwide in 2023. 

IoT solutions offer great opportunities, whether a complex tracking system or an individual healthcare industry. They give your business a wealth of information by improving workflows and device performance. You might wonder what IoT solutions are and how they can benefit your company or industry. 

What are IoT Solutions? – A Brief Overview

IoT solutions are integrated bundles of technology that leverage data captured using different IoT devices. IoT solutions integrate multiple sensors to check a broader range of insights. Many industries are using IoT solutions to improve occupant comfort and reduce costs. 

Benefits of IoT Solutions 

IoT solutions make the devices intelligent and capable of transmitting valuable data. They help businesses make smarter decisions, generate deeper insights, and collect more data. IoT solutions can offer the following benefits to your industry:

IoT, IoT Solutions

Popular IoT Solutions

  • Asset Tracking

Large industries’ complex supply chains can greatly benefit from Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. These solutions help businesses build digitally enhanced products, leverage asset monitoring and tracking, and optimize their supply chains. 

  • Productivity Gains

IoT solutions’ advanced process monitoring capabilities enable businesses to identify ways to boost productivity and efficiency. 

  • Reduced Downtime and Waste

You can significantly reduce downtime and operational expenditures by implementing effective IoT solutions. 

  • Improved Customer Experience

Implement IoT developments to boost your analytical potential and create new data streams to understand your customers’ expectations. IoT solutions are crucial for reducing customer friction. 

We commonly use IoT Solutions across key industries. 

The better data processing capabilities, connected sensors, and automation features of IoT development have changed businesses’ working styles. Industries prefer using advanced and reliable options to quickly improve customer experience and increase revenue. You need an innovative IoT solutions provider to check which solution can greatly benefit your organization/industry.

Here we have given a few IoT solutions we commonly use to increase the productivity and revenue of several industries. 

Smart Security 

Several enterprises prefer adopting smart security solutions, including the Hospitality and Financial industries. IoT security solutions can deliver a better customer experience and more personalized services. 

Security solutions for IoT, such as audio detection, alert systems, motion detection, and smart video surveillance systems, help financial and hospitality industries get early alerts and identify possible threats on potential events. Moreover, smartphone applications connected with hotel devices and sensors give guests a seamless and secure experience with automated room settings. 

The Financial and Banking industries use smart IoT security solutions such as quick folding gates, light barriers, wedge barriers, laser scanner detectors, and CCTV surveillance to identify potential attacks. They are also using IoT-enabled security measures to get intelligent Perimeter Security. 

Inventory Management 

IoT industry solutions enable industries to manage their workflow and inventory more effectively. Several industries, including Logistics and Transport, are implementing IoT industry solutions for better supply chain management and visibility. IoT devices and sensors do remote stock-taking and track inventory movements for better supply chain visibility.

Supply chain requirements vary significantly. IoT industry solutions such as connected sensors make asset tracking, inventory management, predictive management, and track and trace more holistic and reliable. 

Fingerprint Biometrics 

Fingerprint biometrics is commonly used in several industries where multiple people fill the same role. It is an effective IoT solution for access control and asset management. For instance, IoT solutions are connected to fingerprint-based ATM kiosks, mobile IDs, cash delivery by scanning fingerprints, and a bank’s wallet with fingerprint authentication in a banking institute.

Energy Management 

The ever-increasing price of energy resources has forced industries to find a sustainable and smart way to conserve energy. Smart IoT solutions help companies predict their management needs, achieve energy goals, and increase the reliability of energy assets. 

For example, a smart building management system uses various sensors to collect and analyze data to operate multiple equipment remotely, such as air-quality monitors, HVAC, elevators, lighting, and heating systems. 

Smart Devices & Sensors

IoT healthcare solutions provide many benefits for health management. Accurate interpreting of indicators allows health centers to replace heavy machinery with smaller devices. Smart IoT healthcare solutions such as smart blister packs, syringe pens for treating diabetes mellitus, and inhalers for treating bronchial asthma have made medical treatment much faster and more convenient. 

IoT, IoT Solutions

IoT Solutions: Smart Devices and Sensors

Biosensors 

Biosensors are crucial elements in medical centers, transmitting medical information over a wireless network to web applications. These great IoT solutions enable healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health outside of the walls and control patient treatment more precisely. 

Biosensors help patients measure their blood alcohol level, glucose level, heart rate, and arterial pressure and get emergency notifications if any health issue is detected. 

Machine Learning Applications

Machine learning applications based on IoT development help medical centers extract values from large data amounts, improve patient treatment, and analyze medical records with great accuracy. 

When doctors make decisions, there is often a chance of human error, or the information may look muddy due to the inability to process a lot of data quickly. Intelligent data analytics make the information more accurate by breaking down information asymmetries and adding algorithms. 

Conclusion 

IoT (Internet of Things) solutions offer exclusive benefits to help industries manage workflow more efficiently. Enterprises must implement IoT solutions to achieve a new highlight of success in this competitive business market. 

The two approaches to implementation are choosing to do it yourself, which puts a lot on your plate, such as setting up and training the right team, increased costs, and time to market, or you can work with an IoT solutions company such as [x]cube LABS, which has quality teams with experience working on IoT implementation for global enterprises across multiple industries. The latter will take a lot of overheads off and enable you to quickly reduce costs and release your IoT product.

Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Virtual Reality

The Impact of Virtual Reality on the Retail Industry

Simulation of real-world objects applied to the retail industry is making a significant impact. The ever-growing online retail sector is now overtaking traditional retail markets. This is true for any type of product or service, and there is an urgent need to understand the growing importance of VR in the retail industry. Virtual reality can be extensively extended to several retail markets, such as home products, consumer electronics, clothing, food, beverages, etc., making the buying experience very realistic. The touch-and-feel aspect of real-time buying can be simulated using 3D virtual reality so much that the consumer often forgets that he is not in physical contact with the object/ service he wishes to purchase.

Earlier virtual reality simulations were confined to two-dimensional images and drawings, failing to completely push the consumer to experience a real-time purchasing scenario. With the advent and nurturing of 3D virtual reality, hepatic technology, and more, the retail industry can provide realistic experiences of its products and services.

Virtual reality can again be categorized as hardware VR, software type, and service type virtual reality.

According to Valuates Reports, investments in virtual reality in the retail industry will grow to USD 5455 million in 2028 from USD 2007 million in 2021. These predictions and forecasts are based on the fundamental fact that consumers can visualize and access any product or brand they wish to purchase from any remote corner of the world through virtual stores. This is also based on the fact that the virtual reality retail market has no boundaries or constraints imposed on products and services by either space or time.

In retail industries like the apparel industry, cosmetic industry, interior and space designing, etc., virtual reality allows the consumer or prospective buyer to customize the product how they wish. For example, they can use their photograph and see themselves in various costumes that the store has on display, try several hair color shades and check without actually dying their hair, go and arrange interiors the way they wish to in prospective homes, etc.

Let’s take a look at a few case studies:

BMW:- 

In 2018, BMW made an innovative decision to launch its X2 line of cars at the CES 2018, which was conducted in Los Angeles via virtual reality. They wanted the user to feel and experience the car interiors and have a behind-the-wheel experience completely through virtual reality. It was noticed that after the virtual reality test drive, customers dipped their heads while getting out of the car to avoid bumping into the vehicle’s roofline. And this was without the use of ‘haptics’ in their virtual reality tour!

Volkswagen:

Volkswagen also made investments in 2018 in virtual reality. By that time, it trained 1000 people through virtual reality. It used HTC Vive customized virtual reality tools. It has utilized tools like LoopMotion to track the customer’s hand movements while driving. 

Audi:

Audi also incorporated many enhancements compared to BMW and Volkswagen. It used a simulated LeMans race pitstop. This is a ‘hepatic’ technology (based on giving the user a tangible experience of real-time situations). This technology uses mechanical sensors and other vibration and sound sensors to capture user feedback and experience.

How retail stores are adopting VR:

eBay:

In collaboration with Myers, eBay experimented with launching a virtual store that was compatible with Android mobiles and devices. Their main focus was on the in-house shopping experience and was not on brand enhancement. Here, the user was given a choice to shop based on his/her interests by choosing the categories, and the software tracked interests so that only the interesting categories could pop up for further usage.

IKEA:

Ikea now has an app that allows users to experience an immersive virtual tour and test furniture available in their stores in desirable spaces. This contributes significantly to buying decisions as consumers get a feel of how the furniture would look in their apartments even before buying them.

Conclusion:

There is immense potential for the futuristic usage of immersive virtual reality with developed telepresence and enhanced usability in the retail industry. The next generation of online shopping will rely quite heavily on virtual reality. Market research, virtual reality training, and grocery store modifications are a few retail domains where virtual reality technology will be necessary.

Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Healthcare

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Diseases

Accurate diagnosis and prognosis of health conditions are a must for treatment, especially during the current pandemic, when we have to deal with many cases and related data. Analyzing this data effectively is the key to future diagnostics and prognostics. The massive health-related data piling up daily could be collected, processed, analyzed, segregated, and deciphered only with Artificial Intelligence. Without AI, understanding the overwhelming flow of accumulating health-related data would become next to impossible.

AI plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing various health conditions. AI predictions of certain chronic health conditions like cancer, genome diseases, post-pandemic health abnormalities, and even the impact of vaccines on future health dynamics are gaining momentum rapidly.

Cancer diagnosis with AI

Endocrine cancer Diagnosis:-

(According to the “Nature Reviews Endocrinology” abstract dated 09 November 2021)

Medical imaging interpretation is the key to diagnosing and analyzing tumorous masses in the endocrine system, like in any other organ malignancy-related diagnosis. Now, AI can be used to precisely understand the system-related tumor imaging data and analyze these images based on system-related inputs. This helps the doctor interpret the images as the patient’s treatment progresses.  Based on AI inputs, doctors can make disease prognoses, and customized disease management plans for every case. Any minute abnormalities can also be detected with the help of AI image modeling as specific abnormal images, like the pituitary gland mass images, are very difficult for doctors to analyze. These images might not be very clear based on the location of the tumorous lesions. The endocrine cancer diagnosis was earlier dependent heavily on tissue culture and biopsy. A biopsy requires an invasive medical examination and can sometimes be very difficult, painful, and unreliable. Biopsy evaluations alone cannot be taken as confirmatory and determinant criteria for the prognosis of these types of cancers.

AI hence assists in non-invasive diagnosis of critically difficult cancers like endocrine cancers. AI predictions and pathological data studies can help the doctor analyze the patient’s condition and evaluate a befitting treatment process.  The diagnosis of cancer is the key, and AI helps to assess logically any random abnormalities that can crop up due to the drugs and treatment procedures used. This could also be done by applying AI data interpretation models to study the data available in similar cases across different related neural networks. AI helps better coordinate the radiologists who evaluate this data and the doctors who treat the patients. 

COVNet

(extract from the online published report of RSNA radiology.  March 19, 2020)

The COVID-19 detection neural network, COVNet, is a deep learning model developed to analyze the mass CT scan images across different test hospitals. This was meant to analyze and decipher the chest CT scans across six hospitals between August 2016 and February 2022 to evaluate the extent of pneumonia acquired by the community because of contracting the COVID-19 SARS virus. The data was very useful in predicting pneumonia sensitivity depending on the patient’s age.

 

AI in thoracic surgery and diagnosis

AI in the diagnosis of lung cancer and thoracic surgery (based on the European respiratory review): 

FIGURE 1 brief history of AI based on (the European respiratory review)

Thoracic surgeons across the globe are now able to comprehend the benefit of AI-assisted robotic surgery and the futuristic requirements for AI diagnosis in the treatment of lung cancer and other critical chronic lung-related ailments. The AI tool called CAD (computer-aided diagnostic tool) was designed and improvised to detect the presence of both benign and malignant chest nodules in its early stages of algorithm evolution. Later on, the CAD tool was developed to diagnose lung nodules with greater precision. This was done concurrently using AI with CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine data. A National Lung Screening trial was conducted in 2011 using AI diagnosis. Using this data, Ardila et al. created a neural network model to study low-volume CT data and predict futuristic risks. The data could predict people who are at risk of developing lung cancer in the future. 578 out of the 14,851 cases developed lung cancer the following year, which was confirmed with a biopsy. This model could beat the radiologist’s predictions by reducing the false positive predictions by 11% and the false negative percentage by 5%. The use of AI diagnosis will reduce complex diagnosis errors when it is used in concurrence with pulmonologist diagnosis.  

Cost saving using AI diagnosis:

A study was conducted on rectal and colon polyps using AI diagnosis using the diagnostic tool in Tokyo, Japan, to predict the presence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps detected in patients who underwent colonoscopy. AI diagnosis resulted in savings of US$119, US$52, US$34, and US$125 per colonoscopy, and up to US$149.2 million, US$12.4 million, US$1.1 million, and US$85.2 million for the gross annual reimbursement for colonoscopies conducted under public health insurances when the real-life case studies were conducted in the clinical studies of EndoBRAIN, Cybernet System Corp and Olympus Corp, Tokyo, Japan. According to this study using AI diagnosis, the cost of the average colonoscopy and the cost of the annual reimbursement on colonoscopies were reduced by 18.9% in Japan, 6.9% in  England, 7.6% in Norway, and 10.9% in the USA, respectively.

Conclusion

The role of AI diagnosis is very crucial in the medical field today. It reduces the number of errors during diagnosis, contrary to the traditional diagnostic procedure, which relies heavily on radiological and pathological diagnosis alone. AI diagnosis has proven to reduce the cost of diagnosis and medical reimbursement. It is predicted that AI algorithms could be used to develop customized AI diagnostic tools that could further reduce the cost of diagnosis. The prognosis of disease utilizing this method is more accurate as AI diagnosis can detect abnormalities and make logical predictions as the disease progresses.

IoT, IoT in Banking
Banking, Blog, Internet of Things

The Applications Of IoT In The Banking Industry

IoT, IoT in Banking

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a method of collecting and analyzing data. Along with many other industries like manufacturing, insurance, retail, and even agriculture, IoT in banking generates much interest.

The banking sector uses IoT to improve customer service, security, and management. IoT also helps automate many services and helps improve peer-to-peer transactions.

IoT is helping to streamline many aspects of the fintech industry. Banks use the IoT ecosystem to gather relevant data to leverage for different banking processes. In this article, you will find what those processes are and how IoT is affecting them.

A Brief Overview Of IoT

The Internet of Things is the idea of gathering and processing large quantities of data from various sources. The automatic gathering process can provide real-time feedback about everything on the IoT network.

Many industries have started using this technology to improve their operational efficiency. IoT technology can give accurate insight into underlying issues that people often overlook. It helps reduce labor costs and enhances customer service. As things stand, IoT will become a mandatory tool in every industry.

IoT, IoT in Banking

Advantages Of Using IoT In Banking

There are many advanced applications of IoT in banking and fintech. It has great potential to make more enhanced systems, but it’s sticking to the basics for now. Most IoT applications are very common and familiar to most people. Here are some examples:

  1. Real-time Feedback

IoT devices can gather intel from a bank’s user activity. Such data can help the management team understand the financial needs of different clients.

A smart IoT system can automatically send useful notifications. For example, the IoT network can notify the client when their balance is about to run out. The process can work automatically without human assistance.

  1. Identifying Fraudulent Activity

Fraudulent activities are very common in the banking scene, and they have increased significantly in the past decade. IoT in banking is a way to combat such fraud.

The biometric system can help reduce the scope of fraudulent activities to a large extent. However, some cases tend to slip through the gaps in the system. IoT management helps make clients aware of potential issues by sending notifications every time they make a transaction.

The user can flag a transaction as fraud, which will freeze their account until further action. That kind of fast action is only possible because of the real-time communication in the automated IoT system.

  1. Customer Service

Customer service is one of the primary usage cases of IoT technology. IoT gathers user data and monitors users’ various digital habits. That information is immensely valuable for customer service. Banks can use that information to provide personalized customer service to their clients.

It will act as a record of the client and their financial requirements. The banks can use that to suggest budget plans and other related things.

  1. Data Analytics

IoT’s most important contribution to any industry is improving analytical capacity. IoT is all about data. An IoT network can gather a mind-bogglingly high volume of data. Special automated software then processes the data and produces useful information for the industry.

Banks can use it to gather information on their clients. That is very helpful in the case of loans. Like the real estate industry, banks can use an IoT network to monitor the economic activity of potential load applicants.

IoT can also view trading data from various banking sources. The trading volume of private and government-issued bonds helps banks make better management-related decisions.

At [x]cube LABS, we leverage this data to create great customer journeys for better retention and engagement. This has helped many of our customers increase feature adoption and achieve increased loyalty for their businesses.

IoT, IoT in Banking

  1. Improved Security

Security is the most crucial aspect of the banking sector. It’s almost entirely built around people’s trust in a bank’s ability to keep their assets safe. IoT technology can improve the fundamental infrastructure of a bank’s security system.

For example, IoT technology can use any device to gather data. The only prerequisite is that the device must be able to send and receive network transmissions. The CCTV, Smart alarms, and other monitoring devices are perfect sources for gathering data.

Connecting all these monitoring devices to an IoT network will help with real-time monitoring. The machines used for the transaction can also be implemented with IoT. An IoT network will also make locking down the system in the case of a security breach easier.

  1. Smart Wallets

In the past decade, many wearables have been invented that can make payments. Fitness trackers, smart watches, wristbands, and jewelry have smart features. They can let you access your credit card or checking accounts from anywhere.

These devices can work fine on their own. But they won’t offer you any personalized features. The use of IoT is very prevalent in these devices. They collect data and make adjustments to certain features based on your habits. These devices can help you complete transactions faster with the help of IoT in banking.

  1. Automation

Automated systems can dramatically improve productivity in the banking industry. Banks can leverage the IoT system to create automated systems to automate daily functions. 

IoT systems can also make smart gadgets more effective. The IoT infrastructure is also the backbone of self-checkout systems.

Challenges Of IoT In The Banking Sector

There are still several issues with IoT technology in any field. Here are some examples of the primary problems with the IoT network:

  1. Security Issue

IoT systems offer increased protection on the client side, but it’s a different story for banks. The concept of IoT is relatively new, and there are no set standards yet. However, the most basic aspect is using many devices to gather data. 

Skilled hackers can exploit the fragile security of connected devices to harm the IoT network. They may not steal confidential information, but they can make the system give wrong feedback.

This list of devices is very broad. It can be humans with various gadgets, smart security cameras, ATM booths, etc. The problem with this system is that it’s impossible to secure all these devices with the same level of security. People can easily tamper with the feedback devices and give false data to the IoT network.

  1. Redundancy 

IoT produces a lot of data, a lot with a capital L. An industry as large and active as the banking industry will undoubtedly share this quality. 

The thing about data gathered through such means is that 90% of it is useless. Most of the data won’t give any beneficial information to the banks. So, it will take a lot of data processing to glean the useful bits.

  1. Problem With Homogeneity 

IoT technology is still relatively new. There are no international standards for homogenous system interface and compatibility. 

That makes it very hard to link devices from different manufacturers into the same IoT network.

Conclusion

The finance industry is going through a technological upheaval. Much new technology is being tested and added to the industry regularly. While some of that tech receives widespread recognition, some don’t quite make it. 

But it seems IoT in banking is one of the few that can have a large enough impact to change the dynamic of things.

VR in manufacturing
Blog, Manufacturing, Virtual Reality

The Applications of Virtual Reality in the Manufacturing Industry

VR in manufacturing

What’s the first thought that crosses your mind when you think about VR in the manufacturing industry? Since manufacturing is arguably the most physically intensive business and virtual reality is virtual, it sure sounds ridiculous. 

However, on a serious note, there are numerous virtual reality applications in the manufacturing sector. From the looks of it, it is only a matter of a few years before the manufacturing industry can function without the aid of VR.

In any case, implementing virtual reality applications has numerous advantages for the manufacturing sector. Typically, manufacturing facilities are enormous, intricate assemblages of diverse machinery that never stop. Even a small delay of one second can significantly impact the continuous flows and activities.

Testing, training, and maintenance are difficult to arrange under these circumstances since they frequently involve risks to the workers’ safety and disruptions of the manufacturing process. Much of the machinery used in production is hazardous and requires specialized training.

Here is where virtual reality truly shines. Manufacturing organizations can streamline their processes by transferring risky and challenging procedures to VR, which might even help them cut costs.

In this article, we will review virtual reality’s applications in the manufacturing industry.

VR in manufacturing

Uses of Virtual Reality in the Manufacturing Industry 

Floor Planning

Although floor planning is used throughout a wide range of sectors, not just manufacturing, it could be trickier and more challenging in this case. Planning the area for assembly lines or production workshops necessitates considering various elements, including equipment size, connections between components, safety distances, power outlets, supply line inputs, and many others.

Virtual reality makes it considerably simpler to plan the production floors. The makers may check that everything is appropriately positioned and wired by building virtual recreations of the actual locations and placing the equipment models.

Using virtual reality, they can check whether all equipment is easily accessible, all safety distances are maintained, and the production sequence is constructed in the proper order. Before physically shifting the equipment, businesses can optimize their floor space using virtual reality in manufacturing.

Hence, virtual reality can assist in lowering labor expenses and reducing worker or equipment harm.

Engineering and Design

The prototyping step is usually part of the design process in manufacturing. The new product prototype is ready to be examined, tried, and tested before being determined to be ready for production or in need of adjustment.

If the product is complicated machinery, the prototype could be quite expensive to create. Additionally, the cost of the prototype can increase if it needs more refinement. Shifting the prototype to virtual reality can offer immense benefits. The overall expenses can be less than creating a line of physical prototypes, even after accounting for the cost of developing the virtual reality app.

Safe Training

A fantastic way to use virtual reality in manufacturing is for training. Many businesses use VR training, but the industrial sector gains the most from this technology. There are strict rules regarding the learners’ safety when training for an extremely dangerous career.

Such training is frequently challenging to plan because, for starters, the students lack practical knowledge, which increases their risk of harm. On the other hand, using simulators offers few options and ultimately cannot accurately simulate the nature of the job.

In this instance, virtual reality exhibits its exceptional capacity to immerse the trainees in a realistic setting while eliminating the chance of injury.

Maintenance and Inspection

If we consider industrial equipment inspection, we must acknowledge that virtual reality can effectively erase time and space. Machines are becoming too complicated today for typical production workers to inspect.

Companies frequently need to invite experts from the facility that produced the equipment for any normal or emergency examination. Such inspection visits are typically expensive and require meticulous forethought and timing.

Since inspectors’ schedules are sometimes occupied for weeks, it could be challenging to schedule an appointment when a machine unexpectedly breaks down. Additionally, the inviting party frequently pays for airfare and lodging.

The factory can avoid sending the inspector to the machine using virtual reality. Instead, it can quickly deliver the machine to the inspector. The manufacturer can inspect the equipment remotely without calling an expert by making a VR video of the apparatus.

When travel time and costs are not factored into the calculation, inspections and remote maintenance can be completed in virtual reality far more quickly and with fewer interruptions to the production cycle.

VR in manufacturing

Business Events or Exhibitions

Heavy machinery manufacturers who present their products at trade shows and exhibits typically struggle to set up shop at the venue. The job is intricate and multifaceted. The maker must consider the machine’s shipping, connection, and use at the exposition.

A machine may require a large amount of space and weigh several tonnes, which results in additional expenses for renting the display area and loading and unloading. Where to get the object to show is another issue that equipment manufacturers may find problematic. Heavy equipment is typically produced in response to requests and is not idle.

Virtual reality can resolve all of these issues. Create a VR app that showcases your equipment, and you can downsize your exhibition space to a standard stand or booth. In virtual reality, you may display machinery and equipment of any size and complexity. Additionally, you may demonstrate the technology in action by inviting exhibition visitors to your VR room without endangering the guests.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are various ways that virtual reality is used in manufacturing, all of which have advantages. VR can be used as an extra test platform, a workshop, a conference room, or an exhibition stand because of its adaptability and virtually limitless options for constructing virtual places. Thanks to virtual reality, manufacturing could be safer, quicker, more precise, efficient, and less expensive.

Today, the manufacturing sector is embracing virtual reality in various ways. We think that industrial businesses can gain a significant competitive edge and improve the safety and productivity of their everyday operations by using VR-based apps.

IoT in retail
Blog, Internet of Things, Retail

The Impact of IoT on the Retail Business Today

IoT in retail

The retail industry is the actual litmus test for any country’s economy, and this industry is the first to be affected during any crisis. Thus, it is imperative to advance the Retail sector and make it even more profitable using digital means. In this current era, there is cut-throat competition among various retail stores. The ones adopting new edge technology in their system are benefiting and bound to achieve more remarkable milestones in the future. One such new edge technology is the Internet of Things or IoT.

IoT is a collection of small sensory devices connected to the internet. These devices help to gather and exchange data in real time with the help of embedded sensors. People and even businesses have started adopting IoT technologies, from the small infrared blaster in your phone to control remote devices to fire alarms in skyscrapers; all use sensory devices. According to Statista, the number of IoT-connected devices worldwide will increase to 25.44 Billion in the year 2030, so if someone wants to grow their business, it’s high time they implement IoT in their system.

How can IoT help a retail business?

The retail industry can achieve astonishing growth by embedding IoT in its system because it caters to a vast population, from general departmental stores to massive convenience stores. The benefits of IoT in retail are countless, and it can help take your business one level up. Some of the benefits are as listed: –

Enhanced Supply Chain Management

Optimizing the supply chain is imperative for a retailer because it improves efficiency and saves crucial business time. IoT is an ideal and cost-effective way to optimize the supply chain. Embedded with technologies like RFID and GPS, it provides the retailer visibility, and hence, they can now track the product’s location and monitor movements. Because of the greater visibility, the accuracy of projecting delivery time has also improved.

Implementing IoT in supply chain management allows retailers to select vendors, delivery partners, and even the delivery route based on operating cost and safety.

IoT in retail

Predictive Equipment Management

Equipment failure at any time, be it shipping or storage, leads to significant capital loss; it can also adversely affect business operations. When coupled with IoT, retail equipment becomes more effective and works for a longer duration. Any deviation from the ideal, such as temperature change or random vibrations, triggers an alert, and the store gets notified. Accordingly, it will help the retailer make better decisions, and hence, the equipment can be managed and used profitably for longer, saving unnecessary business expenses by using IoT.

Smart Shelves

A primary element to boost sales in a retail store is to focus on customer engagement. Smart shelves are such innovative IoT technology that grab customer attention. When a customer roams in a store and has a list of items he needs to buy on his mobile, the cell phone starts vibrating when he reaches the shelf where the item is placed. Such personalized experiences build a strong brand image and increase a business’s popularity.

Besides increasing customer experience, smart shelves with RFID tags and readers help collect customer buying. The store manager can later use this insight to manage stock accordingly.

Automated Checkout

After completing their purchase, customers often have to stand in long queues for payment and checkouts. No one likes to wait, and sometimes it may go downhill in customer experience; automated checkouts help tackle this situation. With IoT-enabled automated checkouts, customers only have to scan the product’s barcode without assistance, making the process quick and boosting customer satisfaction. Even retailers can save on excess costs as automated checkout requires less assistance. Only 2-3 individuals can guide the customer if they need help; this means retailers can reduce the workforce size.

Food safety monitoring

Maintaining the freshness of food items is critically important in the perishable goods business, and a minor failure to do so may result in a considerable revenue loss. IoT can be a lifesaver, as a retailer can control the temperature of storage spaces, and installing sensors will notify the retailer if the temperature rises or falls below the threshold limit.

IoT in food safety reduces the chances of error and saves costs, as it requires less human interaction. Further real-time monitoring will eventually increase the life of perishable food items.

It is clear that the retail industry is changing, and IoT will be crucial to leveraging its true potential. Apart from the mentioned benefits, IoT also helps in tracking the most sold product in a convenience store, analyzing consumers’ buying patterns, providing better customer service, installing beacons, and much more.

A retail business can also create a brand image by using numerous IoT sensors that keep track of temperature, location, humidity, etc. They can modify them to serve customer needs better. Not only that, but managing the inventory smartly, logistics enhancement with embedded IoT devices, even controlling and managing the energy using IoT gadgets, increasing customer engagement with smart shopping carts, and much more.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the Retail industry is changing, and implementing IoT-embedded devices is crucial for a business to grow. Most stores will adopt IoT technology in the coming years and witness how it has improved customer satisfaction, product handling, and supply chain management. On the contrary, retailers who don’t innovate may experience a loss in their customer base.

Any retail business that requires handling a wide variety and range of products must embed IoT to keep real-time track of its products. Business leaders can choose a digital solutions partner to implement IoT as it will help them save costs and time.

IoT examples
Blog, Internet of Things

Top 10 Examples Of How The Internet Of Things Is Impacting Our Daily Lives

IoT examples

IoT is an exciting innovation in the world of technology. You must’ve come across this term and wondered what it means. 

Our smartphones, Fitbits, and sensors are all examples of IoT devices. The interrelation among these devices creates a self-sustaining network requiring no human intervention. And that is how the IoT works. Read on to learn more about IoT and some top examples of IoT that are all around us. 

What Is The Internet Of Things? 

Various devices, machines, and objects come together to form the Internet of Things (IoT). These elements can exchange and process information between themselves, almost always via the Internet. 

IoT is much different from typical machine-to-machine communication. Let’s consider regular M2M communication. Here, data is sent from point A to point B. And that’s it. The devices can’t do anything else with it. 

In contrast, IoT devices can do so much more with the data. They can communicate the data in versatile ways. The system can also analyze and act upon the data it generates. 

IoT systems differ significantly depending on the sector they serve. However, a shared internet network is standard in all scenarios. Modern IoT also involves artificial intelligence, which makes IoT devices smarter and more independent. 

Most Important Examples Of the Internet Of Things 

Our lives are submerged in various Internet of Things examples. Examples of IoT are so abundant that most of us take them for granted. Take your smart home system, for example. You may also think about the sensors at the grocery store. The Fitbit measuring your pulse is also an IoT example. Let’s sort them out in the following discussion. 

  1. Home Management 

Smart homes are among the most exciting examples of IoT. Plus, they are the ones you interact with directly. Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub are top examples of smart home systems. These IoT devices and systems make home management easier and more enjoyable. 

In addition, such IoT devices help you to conduct online shopping via voice commands. These smart-systems can also protect your house from fire incidents or burglary. The cameras and sensors help with that. Smart home systems help with water and electricity management, too. 

IoT examples

  1. IoT In Healthcare 

IoT is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare system. Wearable IoT devices like Fitbit can monitor your vital signs 24/7. Therefore, they can quickly identify an emergency like an asthma attack or heart failure and immediately notify local authorities via the Internet. 

So, IoT devices can save your life during emergencies. They can also help you maintain health. For instance, wearable devices can keep track of how many steps you walked today. It can then calculate the calories you burn and give you a goal. 

Consistent monitoring of your vitals has many benefits. For instance, it helps detect any significant disease at the earliest stage. 

IoT examples

  1. Increasing Business Productivity 

A business owner must ensure that customers receive their orders on time. To do that, you must monitor and track any ongoing delivery process in real time. Well, IoT has made this possible for business managers. The interrelation between computers and IoT devices on the road can help you track your customer order effortlessly. 

Business data analysis is another major contributor to its success. However, manually collecting, storing, and analyzing such massive data sets was impossible, but IoT changed that. 

Business owners can now analyze their business data better than ever before. Consequently, they can gain valuable insights into their operation and apply this knowledge to improve productivity later. 

  1. Traffic Management 

IoT has revolutionized how our cars navigate the roads. With further advancements in IoT technologies, traffic jams can become a thing of the past. Moreover, IoT can also reduce the number of road accidents. Plus, effective management can help save fuel, decrease carbon footprint, and save time. 

Google Maps and similar applications are the best examples of IoT in traffic management. Here, your smartphones work like sensors. They exchange information about the roads between themselves. As a result, all the vehicles can sync with each other and reduce traffic jams. 

  1. Retail Management

IoT has significantly improved the retail experience. For instance, proper inventory management is crucial for retailers. IoT systems can help with logistics and warehouse management, as these activities mostly require the effective collection, storage, and presentation of data. 

IoT devices like barcode readers and sensors are remarkable in smart retail. They are helpful for both customers and salespersons. These devices can instantly send and store sales information on the cloud. This happens automatically as you put things in or out of the shopping cart. As a result, you can save time and have a better retail experience. 

  1. IoT in Agriculture 

The Internet of Things can significantly increase farming success. Farmers can get a lot of helpful information through IoT devices. For instance, IoT sensors can tell them about the moisture and acidity levels in the soil. It can precisely explain agricultural lands’ chemical characteristics and nutrient levels. 

As a result, farmers can now make better-informed decisions than in the past. Plus, data-driven insights from the IoT systems can further help with farming commitments. These systems can also tell you the best time for sowing the crops. Advanced devices can alarm the farmer about plant diseases beforehand. 

  1. Saving Energy

Smart power grids are among the most critical “examples of the Internet of Things.” IoT device examples in the energy sector include meters equipped with AI and sensors. Authorities can exercise more control over the network by strategically placing these devices, which can contribute to energy conservation. 

IoT insights can help identify various faults in the electric network. As a result, repairs and improvements are possible as soon as possible. IoT systems can also identify patterns in consumer behavior. Based on those findings, you can adjust your usage to save electricity. 

  1. Water Management 

IoT devices can be tremendously helpful in water management. The basic technology is sensors. You can incorporate an IoT sensor into a water meter. The sensor shall also have associated software. Together, the system collects and stores data via the Internet. Later, you can analyze it to visualize the local water consumption pattern. 

You can use these data to find more effective solutions for water problems in that area. Also, you will monitor the water system in real-time through a web page. This helps you detect leaks and faults in the system, preventing wastage and shortages. 

  1. Industrial Internet of Things  

IoT is helping various industries to increase their productivity. For instance, IoT helps factory owners to control industrial devices from remote locations. In addition, you can get crucial data-driven insights about your factory. 

These systems make factory management effortless. Because monitoring factories in different locations from one interface becomes possible, you can also track expenses, profits, transportation, and workers in more detail. 

  1. Smart Cities

With the advancement of IoT, smart cities are becoming common. IoT devices and systems manage all the essential human needs in these urban areas. In a Smart City- Smart grids, water supply, IoT-based traffic management, and similar elements- all come together. 

Smart cities aim to provide a better urban experience at a reduced cost, and IoT is playing a significant role in making this possible. 

Conclusion

Internet of Things examples are abundant around us. These devices are making our lives easier and safer, and they also help us make the best use of our resources. 

However, this article’s “Examples of Internet of Things” are inconclusive because the future of technology holds many other promises.

Blockchain, Blockchain gaming
Blockchain, Blog, Gamification

How is Blockchain Impacting the Gaming Industry?

Blockchain, Blockchain gaming

Table of contents

Industry Overview

Gaming has always been a part of an individual’s fun life; whenever someone feels like having adventure and enjoyment, they think about games. But gaming is not only a fun activity; it is a $198.40 billion industry as of 2021. This industry is growing unprecedentedly and is expected to reach a $339.95 billion value by 2027.

The gaming industry has changed from playing NES games like Mario and Bomberman. It is now much more engaging and is close to real-world scenarios. Previously, we had a predecided task that the character used to perform, but now the functions and nature depend on the person controlling it. Popular games are mostly multiplayer titles such as PUBG or embed virtual reality to improve engagement like Beat Saber.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a decentralized database, meaning that the system is not restricted to a single device but is shared across different connected devices. It maintains the transactional records usually made in any cryptocurrency; it guarantees the security of transactions and builds trust as it does not involve any third party.

Blockchain in Gaming

Nowadays, games that provide a chance to earn money or play-to-earn games are becoming popular. Blockchain can potentially revolutionize this aspect of the gaming industry in this era. However, Blockchain is not just about money; it is a much bigger domain, with gaming being one of the most popular. It can change the future of gaming and how they are created, maintained, and played.

In gaming, a person has some transparent digital assets, similar to crypto coins like Bitcoins or any other cryptocurrency. These assets are better known as NFTs. One can own these NFTs just as one owns any other cryptocurrency and transfer them inside and outside the gaming wallet.

Blockchain, Blockchain gaming

NFTs

NFT can be anything that belongs to you in a game; for example, it can be a gun, sword, property, sticker, etc. These assets can be yours forever if you own them and decide not to sell them. Based on the game, the items can be classified as common, rare, epic, etc. Epic and Legendary items are generally the most irregular and limited, too, which means only a handful of them are created. Hence, they can earn superior value if you decide to sell them.

The magic of NFT is that it will never cease to exist even if the game crashes or suddenly stops working; this is because NFTs are blockchain currency, and they will live on other connected devices even if your machine abruptly stops.

Benefits that Blockchain brings to gaming

Implementing Blockchain in gaming is going to be accessible as gamers already buy in-game items using real as well as virtual money. It can be a go-through in effectively connecting video games with cryptocurrency.

  • Securing the gaming industry

    Blockchain improves security and makes hackers’ tasks almost impossible because it implements a decentralized mechanism and highly advanced data encryption methods. This is a win-win situation for developers and gamers, as hackers can’t attack a decentralized platform.

  • Advanced integrated gaming profiles

    Usually, a gaming platform requires a user to create a new profile to access the game, but with Blockchain games, a user needs to generate only a single profile that can be used for most of the games and thus provides a hassle-free experience.

    This integrated profile can track user performance across various games and help compete with other gamers’ profiles.

  • Enhancing payment methods

    In the past, we have witnessed various major gaming networks breached and information being leaked online; cryptocurrency is a solution to this problem as it is highly secured and private.

    Blockchain gaming offers a seamless transaction experience.

  • Securing the in-game asset ownership

    Blockchain brings transparency to the gaming industry and secures and enhances in-game asset ownership. Blockchain technology uses irreversible smart contracts and runs on pre-programmed parameters, helping manage players’ assets. Yet another benefit is no involvement of central authority.

Parting Remarks

Combining cryptocurrency and video games is the way to go, and Blockchain can effectively merge these platforms to create a secure, more enjoyable, and seamless gaming experience. Some such games already exist, but we will see a surge in this type of gaming in the coming years, and soon, they will become the new normal.

Blockchain will make the gaming industry more enjoyable by keeping unethical troublemakers out. So keep calm. Soon, blockchain will revolutionize the gaming industry, and we will witness a new gaming era.

IoT, IIoT
Blog, Internet of Things

The Impact of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

IoT, IIoT

With the rise of IoT usage, there has been a significant increase in the use of IoT inside industrial sectors. This is referred to as the IIoT or Industrial IoT. This impact is undeniable, and it is changing the face of these industries for the better. It makes everything much more efficient, and we can say that it’s here to stay. 

So, what is IIoT, and why is it so important? We will discuss these questions in the best part of this article. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it. 

What’s the Difference Between IoT and IIoT?

IIoT stands for Industrial Internet of Things, whereas IoT stands for the Internet of 

Things. IIoT can be considered an extension or application of IoT in the industrial sector. You might interact with IoT devices daily, using sensors and software to communicate with other devices across communication networks. 

It refers to the system of multiple devices that can communicate with each other to make your life easier. A good example would be your SMART TV or your Alexa. When you tell Alexa to turn on your TV, it communicates with the other device to turn it on by processing its environmental data. 

Industrial IoT, on the other hand, is a bit more complex and refers to incorporating these smart devices in industrial processes in the medical or manufacturing sectors, for instance. It goes beyond simple, smart devices and is more of an intersection between IT or Information Technology and Operational Technology or OT. 

These include human-machine interfaces, distributed control systems, programmable logic controllers, etc. Especially in the healthcare sector, the inclusion of IoT is making fantastic progress for doctors and patients alike. 

Whereas IoT is meant to help you manage home appliances more efficiently and save energy or electricity within homes, IIoT focuses on building better systems in health care, aerospace, and automation factories. An excellent example of IIoT devices is smart robotics inside Amazon warehouses to move and store goods more efficiently. 

Benefits of IIoT

IoT, IIoT

To keep up with the hundreds of other companies, industries must be the best at meeting ever-changing market demands in a fast-paced marketplace. The use of IIoT in these processes gives businesses the edge they need. Whether it be a decrease in production and delivery times or an increase in quality and precision, IIoT has many benefits. 

Here are some of how IIoT is changing the industry forever. 

  • Better Data Competence

More and more companies are taking the IIoT leap, using their data better to make their processes more efficient. Data is an integral part of the IIoT movement, and things like Cloud Computing and Edge Computing are helping these industries develop better, more efficient ways to manage their data. 

With long-term data, for instance, these systems recognize trends and make more accurate predictions of demand or customer behavior. Thus, they allow businesses to manage their resources better and know what to expect. 

On the other hand, by using sensors and robotics in each space in places like warehouses, you get real-time data that allows you to have a much better idea of inventory and know exactly what’s going on in your factory without even having to be present. 

With systems notifying you of any changes or risks in present data and algorithms suggesting which decisions to make based on past data, IIoT reduces errors everywhere and saves businesses a lot of money. 

  • Increase in Accuracy 

Robots are taking over, especially in the manufacturing sectors, and this is a much better thing than you thought it would be. This reduces human errors, and machines working on AI can make much better decisions regarding manufacturing processes. 

By implementing sensors and robots into the existing traditional manufacturing processes, you can gain better control of all the processes going on. CNC machining is an excellent example of the use of intelligent machinery, where computer-controlled machines can give you much better precision in cutting manufacturing parts that were impossible manually. 

Since these machines are usually used to manufacture aerospace machine parts, where even a tiny difference in the physical dynamics of the piece can cause a colossal failure, intelligent machinery is a lifesaver. 

Impact of IIoT

As IIoT is becoming increasingly popular in the industrial sector, its impact, especially in manufacturing, is undeniable. IIoT is the face of the fourth industrial revolution. By interconnecting devices within the industry and using data and real-time analytics to make better decisions, IIoT allows for better data visibility, exchange, and collection. 

A recent report revealed that by 2020 the number of connected smart devices for IIoT devices in the world has risen to more than 20.4 billion. More than 60% of manufacturers now use connected products to analyze their data better and increase productivity. 

Manufacturers using IIoT in their daily processes are expected to make more than 10% more profits than those without. It is revolutionizing not only the manufacturing industry but also the medical sector. Artificial Intelligence has given a much-needed revamp to the healthcare industry. 

There is a considerable system of IoT in this sector, from robot-assisted surgeries, where doctors can perform much more delicate surgeries with the precision of computer-controlled machines, to an interconnected record system that prints out prescriptions automatically. 

IoT, IIoT

AI-controlled virtual assistants are helping nurses free up more than 20% of their time to focus on more critical tasks and improve their work-life balance. These IIoT systems are also helping to reduce errors and misdiagnoses in the medical field. It uses previous data of other patients to find trends and give better diagnosis predictions to help doctors. 

As IIoT solutions increase, more and more industries are finding a use for them. But this also raises concerns about IIoT security. With many devices integral to these industries’ working systems connected to the Internet, they are much more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Different IIoT platforms have other issues, but increasingly, IIoT companies are taking this very seriously and developing ways to protect your privacy. The main concern with IoT and IoT devices was that you were giving up your privacy.

 In using these systems, you are giving access to vast amounts of data to these IIoT sensors that third parties can hack into and access. However, as concern over privacy and security grows with the increased use of these devices across various sectors, more and more security solutions are also coming up. 

Time will only tell the cost of giving up your privacy for convenience. But it is here to stay and is just the beginning of this revolution. 

Conclusion

IIoT, or Industrial IoT, is the flagship of the fourth industrial revolution, forever changing the face of manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Incorporating IIoT can help save you time and money, increase your profits, and improve the quality of your products and services, as we at [x]cube LABS have helped multiple global enterprises do.

IoT, IoT in Healthcare
Blog, Internet of Things

How IoT is Transforming the Healthcare Industry

IoT, IoT in Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the world today, and advances in technology are driving much of that change. The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most important technological developments in recent years, and it’s had a major impact on healthcare.

What is IoT in healthcare?

IoT in healthcare refers to using connected devices and sensors to collect and exchange data. This data can improve patient care, manage chronic conditions, and reduce costs.

How does IoT work in healthcare?

IoT in healthcare is transformative in several ways. It’s making it possible for patients to be more actively involved in their care and giving providers new tools to improve patient outcomes. IoT is also helping to make healthcare more cost-effective by reducing the need for expensive and invasive procedures.

In this blog post, we’ll examine how IoT in healthcare is transforming the industry and how it’s poised to change the sector even more in the years to come.

IoT Applications in Healthcare

IoT is Transforming Patient Care

One of the most important applications of IoT in healthcare is how it’s changing how patient care is delivered. IoT devices are giving patients more control over their health and making it possible for them to be more involved in their own care.

IoT devices also give healthcare providers new insights into their patients’ health. IoT devices can track various health data points, including heart rate, blood pressure, and activity level. This data can be used to identify health problems early and make necessary changes to treatment plans.

IoT is Making Healthcare More Cost-Effective

Another impact of IoT in healthcare is its cost-effectiveness. IoT devices can help reduce the need for expensive and invasive procedures. For example, IoT-enabled devices can be used for remote patient monitoring. This can reduce the need for hospital visits and make it possible to treat patients in their own homes.

IoT in healthcare also makes it possible to collect data that can be used to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. This data can be used to identify inefficiencies and make changes that will save time and money. In return, these savings can be passed on to patients through lower costs, making healthcare more affordable.

IoT, IoT in Healthcare

IoT is Making Healthcare More Accessible

IoT in healthcare also makes the industry more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas. IoT devices can provide remote patient monitoring and care, making it possible for patients in rural areas to receive the care they need without having to travel long distances.

IoT is also making it possible to provide healthcare services in new and innovative ways. For example, some companies use drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas. This can allow patients in these areas to receive the care they need without having to travel long distances.

IoT is Making Healthcare More Personalized

IoT in healthcare is also making services more personalized. IoT devices can collect data about a patient’s health and tailor treatment plans to individual patients. This personalized approach to healthcare can improve patient outcomes and provide the best possible care.

The availability of data is one of the most important factors driving the transformation of healthcare. IoT devices generate a vast amount of data, which is used to improve the quality of care and make it more cost-effective.

IoT is Making Healthcare More Efficient

IoT in healthcare is making systems more efficient. The data generated by IoT devices is being used to identify inefficiencies in the healthcare system and make changes that will save time and money.

For example, some hospitals use IoT data to track how often certain procedures are performed. This data can be used to make changes that will reduce the need for these procedures.

IoT is also being used to improve care coordination. IoT devices can collect data about a patient’s health and share this data with the patient’s care team. This information can be used to ensure that the patient is getting the care they need and that the care team is working together effectively.

IoT is Making Healthcare More Connected

IoT in healthcare is making facilities and machinery more connected. IoT devices can be used to connect patients, caregivers, and doctors. This can make it possible to share information and coordinate care more effectively. It can also make it possible for patients to receive care from various providers.

IoT also makes it possible to connect healthcare providers. This can make it easier for healthcare providers to share best practices and find new ways to improve the quality of care. In addition, this connectivity can make it easier for healthcare providers to find and use new technology.

IoT, IoT in Healthcare

IoT is Making Healthcare More Sustainable

IoT is also making healthcare more sustainable. IoT devices can reduce the need for resources such as water and electricity. For example, some hospitals are using IoT-enabled devices to monitor water usage. This data can be used to make changes that will reduce the amount of water used.

IoT also makes it possible to reuse and recycle resources. For example, some hospitals are using IoT-enabled devices to track the use of disposable medical supplies. This data can be used to make changes that will reduce the amount of waste produced.

IoT is Improving Patient Outcomes

Finally, IoT in healthcare is transforming the sector by improving patient outcomes. IoT data can be used to identify trends and make changes that can improve patient outcomes. For example, if a medication is not working well for a particular patient, the data collected by an IoT device can change the treatment plan.

In addition, IoT devices can be used to monitor patients after they leave the hospital. This data can be used to ensure that patients take their medications as prescribed and make the necessary lifestyle changes. By doing so, IoT can help to improve long-term patient outcomes.

IoT is Poised to Change Healthcare Even More in the Future

IoT is already having a major impact on healthcare, and it’s poised to change the industry even more. As IoT devices become more sophisticated and widely used, we expect to see even more transformative changes in healthcare.

IoT will continue to make patient care more personalized and effective. IoT data will also become increasingly important in making decisions about healthcare delivery. As IoT devices become more widely used, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of IoT in healthcare. As a result, IoT is likely to have a major impact on how we live and receive healthcare.

It’s an exciting time to be in the healthcare industry, and IoT is poised to make a huge impact.

Conclusion

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly connected. IoT devices are playing a major role in this connectivity, transforming healthcare. Applications of IoT in healthcare are making healthcare more connected, sustainable, and effective. And as IoT devices become more sophisticated, we can expect to see even more transformative changes in healthcare.

Healthcare providers who embrace IoT will be well-positioned to deliver the best possible care to their patients. The healthcare industry is truly experiencing an exciting time, and IoT is poised to make a huge impact.

IoT, IoT in Office
Blog, Internet of Things

Transforming Workplaces with IoT

IoT, IoT in Office

The Internet of Things is paving a new path by transforming how businesses function and is already playing a significant role in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, security, etc. The benefits of IoT in the mentioned sectors are visible and popularly known. Still, there are specific sectors apart from these where IoT is expanding, and one such sector is IoT at workplaces.

IoT in the workplace is a growing area, the market size of smart offices was around $31.37 billion in 2020, and it is projected to triple over a decade to reach approximately $90.63 by the end of 2030. IoT in the workplace gained momentum after the pandemic, which led offices to work online initially, and later most offices shifted to hybrid mode. This blog will help you explore areas where IoT can benefit a workplace.

Reducing Operational Costs

Data is the new fuel; with the help of data – offices and organizations can save valuable time and money. IoT sensors capture real-time data that can be used to maintain energy consumption; this solves the problem of overheating or insufficient heating; it also tells whether the cubicles have adequate lighting and helps eliminate other wasteful habits. 

Occupancy data can also help an organization build spacious offices to accommodate more people and ultimately reduce rents. Furthermore, the data collected from the sensors notify the organization about periodic maintenance so the business will not face any unexpected downtime by scheduling timely fixes.

Improving Work Safety

Imaging sensors installed at the entrance and exit allow only authorized personnel to enter the office premise. IoT embedded cameras and motion sensors help prevent office theft which costs around $50 billion annually in the US alone, thus making the workplace safe. This safety promotes the organization’s goodwill and makes it more appealing to work. We can reduce human error by using smart gadgets in numerous operations. 

Using sensors makes following COVID protocols at a workplace easy; this helps in real-time tracking and monitoring. Face ID and RFID cards reduce the risk of physical contact and lessen the check-in and check-out process time.

IoT, IoT in Office

Enhancing Customer Experience

Good quality products or services are not the only things that develop brand loyalty; overall customer experience begins with the customer’s interaction with the organization and continues through after-sales services. If an organization uses IoT in its offices, it increases customer involvement and makes it appealing. Furthermore, it improves security, and thus, the customer develops a strong emotional bond with the firm.

IoT devices remind customers about maintenance and offers. These devices collect data from multiple touchpoints, improving positive interactions and eliminating negative ones. 

Increasing Employee Engagement

Besides appealing to the customers, an interactive smart office also increases employee engagement. IoT sensors collect real-time data and can perform repetitive tasks independently, reducing the manual work the employee has to perform otherwise. It boosts efficiency and reduces the waiting time; hence, employees’ work-life experience positively increases.

Instead of relying on regular video calls, one can use IoT-embedded robots to have a great engagement session. These intelligent sensing gadgets can give a virtual look at the real-time activities in the office; if augmented reality is used in parallel with IoT devices, the experience can be improved many folds. 

Decreasing Carbon Footprint

With the help of IoT devices, an organization can reduce its carbon footprint and become part of a sustainable workspace. IoT sensors optimize energy utilization and consumption at the workplace. Collaboration tools can reduce CO2 emissions from transportation by reducing business travel frequency. Smart waste management systems help filter out degradable and biodegradable waste, which helps maintain hygiene in the workplace. These sustainable steps benefit the environment and build strong trust and goodwill.

Conclusion

IoT in the workplace can improve the employee and customer experience, enhancing productivity and attractiveness. The hybrid office model will be dominant in various businesses, and in this model, IoT-embedded systems will play a crucial role in uplifting employee engagement. Technology is advancing rapidly, and the smart office will become the new normal in no time. Adapting to this technology will increase your appeal factor and build long-lasting bonds. An office can take help from IoT service providers to save valuable time and cost to set foot on this exciting journey.

IoT, IoT Security
Blog, Internet of Things

The Importance of IoT Security and Best Practices for Implementation

IoT, IoT Security

Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) is growing exponentially, with new devices and applications being added every day. This increase in connectivity has led to a corresponding increase in the potential for security breaches. Just as our traditional computer networks are vulnerable to attack, so are IoT networks.

IoT security issues are often caused by a lack of security awareness by manufacturers and users. Many IoT devices are shipped with little or no security measures, and users are often unaware of the risks involved in using them. As a result, IoT devices are frequently left wide open to attack.

IoT device security is important for two main reasons: first, to protect the device itself from being hacked or taken over by an attacker, and second, to protect the data that the device collects and transmits. If an IoT device is hacked, the attacker may be able to gain access to sensitive data or use the device to launch attacks on other devices on the network.

So, why is it so important to ensure IoT security?

There are several reasons why securing your IoT solutions is important:

  1. To protect your devices from being hacked or taken over by an attacker

    It is important to secure your IoT devices to prevent them from being hacked or taken over by an attacker. If an attacker compromises a device’s Internet of Things security, they may be able to use it to launch attacks on other devices on the network or gain access to sensitive data. This could have serious consequences for both your network’s security and your data’s privacy.

  2. To protect the data that your devices collect and transmit

    If an IoT device is hacked, the attacker may gain access to the sensitive data that the device collects and transmits. This could include personal data, such as credit card numbers home addresses, or confidential business data. It could also include data that could be used to launch attacks on other devices on the network. The data collected by IoT devices can also be used to create detailed profiles of individuals, which could be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

  3. To protect your devices from being used in attacks on other devices

    If an attacker gains control of an IoT device, they may be able to use it to launch attacks on other devices on the network. It could include denial of service attacks, which could render a device or service unavailable, or data breaches, in which sensitive data is stolen from a device. Using the stolen data, the attacker could gain access to other devices on the network or commit fraud. This can potentially have a devastating impact on businesses and individuals alike. We will discuss how to go about planning IoT device security shortly.

    IoT, IoT Security

  4. To protect your devices from being used in attacks on your business

    If an attacker gains control of an IoT device, they may be able to use it to launch attacks on your business. This could include denial of service attacks, which could render your website or email unavailable, or data breaches, in which sensitive data is stolen from your devices. Many businesses rely on IoT devices to run their operations, and IoT security issues could significantly impact the industry.

  5. To protect your business from the reputational damage that IoT security breaches can cause

    IoT security breaches can cause reputational damage to your business. If sensitive data is stolen from your devices, or if your devices are used to launch attacks on other companies, this could damage your business’s reputation. People may be less likely to do business with you if they perceive your business as insecure and vulnerable to attack. At the same time, you may also be liable for any damages caused by your devices, such as data breaches or denial of service attacks.

  6. To comply with data protection and privacy laws

    If your business processes personal data, you will need to comply with data protection and privacy laws. These laws may require you to take steps to secure the personal data that you process, such as encrypting it or ensuring that it is stored securely, which IoT security ensures. It’s crucial that you comply with these laws, as failure to do so could result in fines or other penalties.

  7. To protect your investment in IoT

    If you’re investing in the Internet of Things, you’ll want to protect your investment with IoT security. This includes ensuring that your devices are secure and that you’re not exposing yourself to undue risk. By taking steps to secure your IoT solutions, you can help protect your investment and ensure that your business can reap the benefits of IoT.

    Now that we’ve looked at some of the reasons why IoT security should be a priority, let’s look at how you can go about it.

IoT, IoT Security

To protect your IoT solutions from these risks, it is important to implement IoT security measures at every stage of the development process, from design to deployment.

When designing your IoT solutions, you should consider the security risks that could impact your devices and data and implement measures to mitigate these risks. For example, you should consider using encryption to protect sensitive data and implementing authentication measures to ensure that only authorized users can access your devices.

When deploying your IoT solutions, you should ensure that your devices are correctly configured and that IoT security measures are in place. You must ensure your devices are correctly configured to use encryption and connected to a secure network.

You should also put in place measures to monitor your solutions for IoT security breaches and respond quickly if a violation is detected. For instance, you should have an IoT security incident response plan to quickly and effectively respond to a violation. Keeping your solutions updated with the latest IoT security patches is also important.

In short, there are several steps that manufacturers and users can take to improve IoT security. These include:

  • Ensuring that devices are correctly configured and updated with the latest security patches;
  • Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication;
  • Using encryption to protect data in transit;
  • Disabling unnecessary features and ports; and
  • Regularly monitoring devices for signs of intrusion.

Conclusion

As the IoT continues to grow in popularity, it is important to be aware of the security risks associated with it. Internet of Things security is important for businesses and users alike. By taking steps to secure your IoT solutions, you can help protect your business and your customers from these risks.

Reviewing your security measures occasionally might be a good idea, as the IoT landscape is constantly evolving. As new threats emerge, you must ensure that your IoT security measures are up-to-date and effective.

If you’re not sure where to start, an IoT security solution provider such as [x]cube LABS can help you to assess the security risks that apply to your business and put in place appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.

IoT, IoT Devices
Blog, Internet of Things

What are IoT devices and how are they used across various industries?

IoT, IoT Devices

Table of contents

Introduction

We live in a world where technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with our daily lives. It’s no longer just our laptops, smartphones, and tablets that are connected to the internet—now, our homes, cars, and even our clothes can be, too. This interconnectedness is made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT), a network of physical objects equipped with sensors and software that allow them to collect and exchange data.

IoT devices have the potential to transform the way we live and work. They can make our lives more convenient and help us be more efficient. They can also help us save money and improve the quality of our lives.

IoT devices are connected to the internet and can collect, send, and receive data. They can be anything from fitness trackers to industrial machines. IoT devices are used across various industries and are becoming more and more commonplace. At [x]cube LABS, we have helped global enterprises deliver great value to their consumers with IoT devices, and in this blog post, we will talk about how IoT devices are used in different industries. We will also give some examples of IoT devices being used in each sector.

  1. Healthcare

    IoT devices are being used in healthcare to provide better patient care and improve the efficiency of healthcare organizations. They can monitor patients’ vital signs, track their medication adherence, and collect data about their health. IoT devices can also provide remote patient monitoring, track medical equipment, and support clinical research.

    Many different types of IoT devices are being used in healthcare. Some of the most common types include wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches; medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps; and hospital equipment, such as IV pumps and ventilators. All these devices collect data that can be used to improve patient care and make healthcare organizations more efficient.

  2. Manufacturing

    IoT devices are being used in manufacturing to improve the efficiency of production lines and reduce waste. They can also track product production, monitor machinery conditions, and control the flow of materials. They can also provide data about product quality and improve worker safety.

    The industrial sensor is one of the most common types of IoT devices used in manufacturing. Industrial sensors monitor product production, machinery condition, and material flow. They can also provide data about product quality and improve workers’ safety. The availability of data from industrial sensors helps manufacturers improve the efficiency of production lines and reduce waste.

    IoT, IoT Devices

  3. Retail

    IoT devices are being used in retail to improve the customer experience and increase sales. They can track inventory, provide customer loyalty programs, and collect data about customer behavior. They can also provide personalized recommendations, targeted promotions, and real-time customer support.

    IoT devices are changing the retail sector in several ways. One of the most important is that they are providing retailers with real-time data about their customers’ behavior. This data allows retailers to provide a more personalized shopping experience. IoT devices are also being used to improve the efficiency of retail operations, such as inventory management and customer loyalty programs.

  4. Transportation

    IoT devices are being used in transportation to improve the safety of drivers and reduce traffic congestion. IoT devices can monitor vehicles’ condition, track their location, and control their speed. IoT devices can also be used to provide data about traffic conditions and improve transportation systems’ efficiency.

    One of the most common types of IoT devices used in transportation is the GPS tracker. GPS trackers monitor vehicle locations, speed, and movement and can also provide data about traffic conditions and improve transportation systems’ efficiency.

  5. Agriculture

    In recent years, agriculture has become increasingly reliant on IoT devices. These devices are being used to improve crop yields and reduce the amount of water and fertilizer used. They can also be utilized to monitor crop conditions, track farm animals’ location, and control irrigation water flow.

    These innovations are helping farmers increase their crop yields and reduce the amount of water and fertilizer they use. The data collected by IoT devices is also helping farmers make more informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and crop maintenance.

  6. Smart Homes

    Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, and IoT devices are the backbone of these systems. IoT devices are being used in homes to improve the home’s security, reduce energy consumption, and improve the quality of life. They can be used to monitor the home’s condition, track family members’ location, and control home appliances’ operation. What’s more, IoT devices can also provide data about the air quality, which can be used to improve the efficiency of home security systems. In the future, IoT devices will become an integral part of the smart home, and they will be used to control various home appliances and systems.

    IoT, IoT Devices

  7. Aviation

    The aviation industry is using IoT devices extensively. It is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world, and IoT devices are being used to improve the safety of passengers and crew members.

    IoT is changing the aviation industry by providing data that can be used to improve the safety of pilots and passengers. IoT devices can monitor aircraft conditions, track their location, and control their speed. IoT devices can also provide data about weather conditions and improve aviation operations’ efficiency, which can ultimately lead to lower airfare prices.

  8. Energy

    The energy sector also utilizes IoT for a variety of applications. One way that IoT is changing the energy sector is by providing data that can improve the efficiency of energy production and consumption.

    They are being used to improve the efficiency of power generation and distribution. IoT devices can monitor the condition of power plants, track the location of power lines, and control the flow of electricity. By using IoT devices to monitor and optimize the power grid, energy companies can reduce the amount of power that is wasted and ultimately lower consumers’ energy bills.

Conclusion

IoT devices are changing the world in some ways. They provide data that can be used to improve the efficiency of operations in various industries, from retail to transportation to agriculture. IoT devices will likely become an increasingly important part of our lives due to the efficiency and data they can provide.

Mobile app design
Blog, Mobility

Best Practices to Follow While Designing your Mobile Application

Mobile app design

Table of contents

Introduction

In this ever-evolving world, businesses are growing at an overwhelming rate. Bringing in more customers is one thing, but keeping the existing customers in the loop has also become challenging. Enterprises have now entered the digital space to increase the quality of customer experience (CX) and improve customer satisfaction. One such profound digital space is a mobile application.

Almost every individual now owns a smartphone. It contains many mobile applications; these applications serve as an excellent opportunity for any business to connect with customers and make your firm well renowned. But the user prefers some applications over others, and statistics show that 25% of mobile applications ultimately fail as they are used only once.

While it is true that an excellent mobile application can boost your business, if a mobile application is not designed carefully, it can affect customers. This blog will help you pick up some of the best practices that will help create an efficient mobile application.

Using updated technology

Nobody likes to use an old application if a new and better application is available in the market. Make sure to embed your application with the latest features to have a faster response time, and it takes less time to load new pages. In the digital era, technology changes rapidly, and thus to make the application relevant, it becomes imperative to update the application timely.

There are roughly 15 apps per person on this entire planet; this means the competition in the mobile application industry is also growing. Using cloud services will save the user from internally storing the application content on their mobile phones, providing the option of advanced protection like face ID or fingerprint scanner instead of using the general password settings. These minor upgrades go a long way in engaging customers and keeping you ahead of the competition.

Mobile app design

Simplicity

Some applications are complex in their design; users might find it challenging to search for what they are looking for, and thus navigation becomes a hurdle. The thumb rule for the application design is to keep it simple. Organizations should first define their primary goal of creating the app and then focus on achieving it by making the app user-friendly.

Many applications also use the chatbot feature to ease the customer journey. Chatbot serves as an online customer service executive and thus helps the customer if they experience any difficulty while using the application.

Tutorials

The customer is the ultimate user of an application, and not all users know everything about your application. There might come instances where various app features remain unused; the designer should make easy tutorials that will guide the users to operate the app efficiently.

Animations are a great way to make your application interactive; therefore, incorporating animated tutorials will boost user engagement.

Leveraging device capabilities

There are a variety of mobile phones available in the market; some people use android while others prefer the i-phone or tablets. The screen size of smartphones also differs; the designer should consider all these factors before designing the mobile application. The app should be available on the play store and app store; it must work on all screen sizes without distortion.

Take advantage of push notifications to remind the customer about the app’s features and offers. Push notifications are a great way to engage with the customer, but overdoing it may annoy the user, so using it in moderation, i.e., 2-3 push notifications per week, is reasonable.

Applications like Google Maps, Swiggy, and Uber use the location feature of the smartphone to serve the customer better. Maps also use the accelerometer feature to show the speed of your vehicle, and it communicates via voice assistance. The payment application uses the device’s camera to scan QR codes. These features are not app build, but the applications are designed so that it takes advantage of them.

An ideal application should leverage existing smartphone features to stand out from the competition. Customer security should be the top priority for any organization, so asking permission before using an internal mobile feature is the right way.

Personalization

An application is most likely to succeed if it creates a personalized experience for the customer. Some apps use the user name to make that personal connection; some track the user activity on the app to provide individualized offers and predictions. Youtube music and Spotify analyze the listening pattern of the user and suggest the next song accordingly.

Providing customer rewards and asking for feedback is also an integral part of application design.

Conclusion

Keeping the user in the loop is the key for an application to triumph. If the application successfully provides that human touch, it will quickly grow. Another integral aspect of application design is advanced technologies, as mobile apps and specifications change frequently, so keeping up to date with technology is crucial.

To design a high-demand product in these ever-changing circumstances, you must first comprehend the customer wants that your app addresses and the core functionality that it should offer. A business may take help from app designing service providers to save valuable time and cost.

IoT, IoT Sensors
Blog, Internet of Things

What are IoT Sensors and what Types of IoT Sensors are Used Across Industries?

IoT, IoT Sensors

Technology pervades every aspect of our lives, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is a big part of that. The IoT connects physical objects to the internet and can collect and exchange data.

IoT sensors play a key role in the IoT by collecting data about the physical object they are attached to. This data is then transmitted to a central location where it can be analyzed and used to make decisions or take action. It’s important to note that IoT sensors are not just limited to the consumer market; they are also used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

IoT sensors have enabled us to track and monitor various things, including our health and fitness, the performance of our homes and appliances, and even the vehicles we drive. They have also made it possible for industries to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing costs, which is why IoT sensors are expected to continue to grow in the years to come. But what exactly are IoT sensors, and what types of IoT sensors are used across industries? Let’s take a closer look.

IoT Sensors Defined

An IoT sensor is a physical device that collects data about a physical object and then transmits that data to a central location. IoT sensors are typically small, lightweight, and battery-powered, so they can be easily attached to or embedded in the objects they monitor.

They work by using various sensing technologies to collect data about the object they are attached to. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to a central location, where it can be analyzed and used to make decisions or complete various tasks.

Additionally, IoT sensors often come equipped with various features, such as the ability to transmit data in real time, store data locally, and operate offline. It’s important to note that not all IoT sensors have all of these features; it just depends on the specific sensor and its use.

Types of IoT Sensors

Various types of IoT sensors are used across industries, and every kind of sensor has its unique features and capabilities. They all come equipped with different sensing technologies that allow them to collect other data types. Let’s look at some of the most common types of IoT sensors.

IoT, IoT Sensors

Temperature sensors

These sensors measure temperature and can be found in various applications, including HVAC systems, refrigerators, and ovens. Temperature sensors are typically made of thermistors, which are resistance-based devices that change resistance when exposed to changes in temperature. They help regulate temperature by providing data that can be used to adjust the heating and cooling systems, which can save energy and improve comfort.

Light sensors

These sensors measure light intensity and can be found in various applications, including digital cameras, solar panels, and automated lighting systems. Light sensors are typically made of photocells, devices that change resistance when exposed to changes in light intensity. They help regulate the amount of light present by providing data that can be used to adjust the lighting, which can save energy and improve visibility.

Motion sensors

These sensors detect movement and can be found in a variety of applications, including security systems, fitness trackers, and automated lighting systems. Motion sensors are made of accelerometers, which are devices that measure acceleration. They help detect and track movement by providing data that can be used to make decisions or take action. For example, if a security system is armed and a motion sensor is triggered, the system may send an alert to the homeowner.

Sound sensors

These sensors measure sound intensity and can be found in various applications, including baby monitors, security systems, and noise-canceling headphones. Sound sensors are made of microphones, which convert sound waves into electrical signals. They help detect and track sound by providing data that can be used to make decisions or take action, which can be helpful in various situations. For example, if a baby monitor is turned on and a sound sensor detects crying, the monitor may alert the parent.

IoT Sensor Applications

There is a wide range of IoT sensor applications across industries, and the specific application will dictate the type of sensor used. Let’s look at some of the most common applications for IoT sensors.

Environmental Monitoring

IoT sensors can monitor various environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and light intensity. This data can be used to make decisions about the environment, such as adjusting the temperature in a room or turning on the lights in a dark area. This data can also be used to monitor environmental conditions in real time and take action if there is a problem, such as an air quality sensor that triggers an alarm when the air quality drops below a certain level.

Industrial Monitoring

IoT sensors can monitor industrial processes, such as production line speeds, machinery operation, and inventory levels. This data can be used to make decisions about the operation of the business, such as adjusting the production line speed to match customer demand or reordering inventory when it gets low. Additionally, this data can be used to monitor the status of the business in real time and take action to provide viable solutions if there is a problem, such as a machine that stops working or an inventory level that drops below a certain threshold.

Building Automation

IoT sensors can automate a building’s operation, such as controlling the lights, temperature, and security system. This data can be used to make decisions about the building’s operation, such as turning off the lights when no one is in the room or setting the security system to arm when everyone leaves for the day. It is especially useful in buildings that are open to the public, such as retail stores and office buildings, where it can help to save energy and improve safety.

IoT, IoT Sensors

Smart Cities

IoT sensors can monitor various factors in a smart city, such as traffic levels, air quality, and noise levels. This data can be used to make decisions about the town’s operation, such as routing traffic around an accident or turning on air purifiers when the air quality drops. It can also be used to monitor the city’s status in real-time and take action if there is a problem, such as an emergency vehicle that needs to get through traffic or a power outage that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

The possibilities for IoT sensor applications are endless, and new applications are always being developed. The type of sensor that is used in an application will be dictated by the specific needs of the application. However, a few general types of sensors are commonly used in IoT applications, such as environmental, industrial, and building automation. Ultimately, the goal of using IoT sensors is to collect data that can be used to make decisions or take action, which can help to improve efficiency, save energy, and improve safety.

AI, Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, Blog

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in our Daily Lives

AI, Artificial Intelligence

Humankind has seen dramatic transformations in recent years as a result of ever-evolving technology. There are immaculate inventions within the digital era that were far beyond our imagination in the past, but they now exist in the real world and are assisting us in making changes in our everyday lives.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is one such innovative notion. The concept of AI has grown over the planet in such a fashion that it now embraces practically every sector, business, or service. In 2021, AI had already become an element of our daily lives. Whether it’s reading emails, getting driving directions, or getting music or movie suggestions, AI can help us in every aspect of our lives. Let me first tell you what AI is.

Artificial Intelligence: It is a computer that has the ability or built-in intelligence to perform the tasks humans usually do, solve problems, and make life easier for everyone. It improves the speed, effectiveness, and precision of performing tasks.

But just now, how far has AI progressed in our lives? What influence does computer science have on our culture, business, economy, and, therefore, the rest of the world? This blog will lift the veil on AI, allowing you to determine how AI will transform the way we live and work and what it’s already accomplished for society.

One of the foremost visible samples of AI is how we entertain ourselves, meet new people, and interact with our relationships online. As intelligent humans, we will always get lots of enjoyment from the books, music, TV series, and flicks we enjoy. And, without considering what lurks behind our daily routines, we depend upon recommendation algorithms to search for entertainment we enjoy. These are only some samples of how computer science is employed in existence. And the likelihood is that you’re aware of these AI-powered examples.

AI, Artificial Intelligence

YouTube recommendation engine  

YouTube is one of the foremost popular venues for sharing video material worldwide, and Google owns it. You will discover anything you want, from beauty and food instructions to music videos, vlogs, and breaking news. YouTube has touched daily users to 120+ million and monthly active users to around billions, continuously increasing. It tracks the likes and views of users tracks their activities and keeps on recommending the videos thereon.

Despite an oversized number of watchers, the platform uses computing to indicate to people the videos they need to determine while blocking those who are, for instance, terrorism-related or violent. YouTube is continuously working to tackle all the fake news and misinformation being spread on the platform with the help of AI.

Netflix recommendation engine 

Why is Netflix so popular? It recognizes what you want and may like to watch. The company is at the forefront as the leading content creator in the entertainment industry. Its recommendation engine provides TV show and movie suggestions based on your viewing history. Netflix also keeps track of how many times you’ve watched a film or television series, how many times you’ve rewound or fast-forwarded it, and how you rated it.

Netflix’s AI technology automatically adjusts video quality based on users’ network quality. It tracks the video quality of the videos the user prefers to watch and automatically sets the video quality whenever the user goes to watch any videos.

Google Translate 

It would be remiss not to include Google, notably Google Translate, which uses machine learning to translate text from one language to another. The organization contains a sizable number of contributors worldwide, which suggests that anybody may help Google Translate by inputting phrases like synonyms or the rest relevant to languages. An ML model changes and updates itself daily, supporting these contributions and growing more adept.

Recently, Google started using Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) to tackle the problems faced for years in handling the translation of Chinese and English language pairs. Google managed to get the translation to the human level by including bilingual people to train the system.  Then Google planned to use this GNMT for all 103 languages. That meant data needed to be fed for 103^2 language pairs, and AI would have to handle 10609 models. Google tackled this problem by allowing a single system to translate multiple languages. Google Translate’s AI built its language to improve its translation of other languages.

Social Media content search 

AI is popularly used in all the social media platforms we use daily. Be it on Facebook, which suggests the pages you must follow based on your likes, or on Instagram, where you can identify the visuals and recommend the posts or pages based on your likes. LinkedIn uses AI to suggest jobs that will be suitable for us based on our profile, suggesting that we make connections with people.

These are just a few examples of how AI is powerfully working and helping us on all our social media platforms. Furthermore, an AI algorithm or machine learning system controls how the content you make and the advertising you buy are positioned in front of consumers across each social media site and each social media post.

All these are several examples we use in our daily personal lives. Now, moving on to how it can affect us in our professional lives, we can understand more about the importance and effect AI has created in our lives. Here are a number of the cases or examples:

How Artificial Intelligence helps in: 

Email Communication

Gmail’s Smart Replies

While writing emails, we constantly get suggestions for improvements if required or add appropriate words, or auto-generated replies. These will be regularly seen in emails. 

AI can help you better understand what subject lines your clients respond to by analyzing your email open rates. This eliminates a lot of guesswork, and as a consequence, AI email technology can determine the most successful content and text.

AI also helps to determine the ideal time of day or week to send an email. It helps to know at what time of day the customer focuses on work-related emails and at what time they will disregard such emails.

The identical is employed in other platforms, too, other than Gmails. This is because of AI and how it can suggest comments supporting the content received and proper errors, if any.

Business

Among the various applications of computing in everyday life, the business realm is one where AI may provide a slew of benefits. With a huge amount of information and data available today, business units have continuous access to the changes in client requirements. Organizations no longer rely on traditional business practices to drive growth. These drastic developments have opened up a new realm of possible outcomes, allowing AI to drive corporate growth through memorable experiences produced from client data.

The combination of the human brain with an intelligent computer using AI helps a lot in improving clients’ experiences and the profitability of business units and drives business changes and developments.

AI, Artificial Intelligence

Our vision for artificial intelligence in the future

The solution to the age-old question of how AI will affect your life in the future will remain a mystery. Without an issue, AI will start a replacement age of human growth and relationships. This era will substantially change each aspect of human action by displacing people from low-paying regular professions, allowing us to make better judgments and focus our attention on what counts.

The transition procedure isn’t rapid and takes time. Technology may even appear threatening as if it threatens mankind, thanks to its limitless potential.

However, once we study how AI helps us in daily life, we see that this fear is unfounded; people are always frightened of anything they do not understand and anything that causes significant changes in their lives. It’s likely that humans may reap the advantages of AI in the not-too-distant future. AI will become an important aspect of our lives, governing our healthcare, entertainment, education, and security sectors.

Experts anticipate networked artificial intelligence would boost human productivity while potentially jeopardizing human autonomy, agency, and capacities.

Conclusion

The development of computing has been a protracted and winding road. Every day, computer science makes our lives easier. Many applications and services that assist us with daily tasks, like interacting with friends, utilizing an email program, or employing a ride-share service, are powered by AI. If you’re worried about computing, it would help to appreciate that almost all folks are utilizing it on a usual basis for an extended time. However, due to its advancement, we now have useful AI daily. The long run of AI looks good, but it’s still up in the air. As a result, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a fresh idea for applying such technology in your organization or just want to share your ideas on the topic. Let’s take a peek at the intense way forward for AI together!

IoT Trends, Internet of things
Blog, Internet of Things

Top IoT Trends We Can Look Forward to in 2022 and Beyond

IoT Trends, Internet of things

Since witnessing the dreadful impacts of COVID-19, the human race has adapted intelligence connectivity to the fullest. This increasing utilization of such elements, which include their intelligence, demanded the market to deliver the best to sustain this usage for the upcoming years. This dependency on intelligence connectivity covers 73% of global business growth.

We are 4 months into 2022, and there has been a significant amount of IoT-based innovation for the industrial sector to grow businesses worldwide and create an IoT-based working environment. In this article, we will be looking at the top IoT trends that came out this year to revolutionize our world and what lies beyond these innovations for the human race.

What are the top upcoming IoT trends?

  1. The Dominance of 5G

    5G was introduced as a power only for a specific audience. However, this is now changing in 2022, and this year, we saw that 5G is now being targeted to a more generic audience rather than a targeted one. This will also be a trend in the upcoming years, and this innovation will surely stay for a long time.

    5G will be integrated into the IoT-based devices for a mass machine communication approach so that these devices can communicate and handle data without the dependencies on humans alone. This might at first take a slow flight, but will eventually end up as one of the top IoT trends.

  2. Smart Security Devices for All

    We all have heard multiple times that consumers can hold IoT-based smart devices, and it is now possible to say that this happened in 2022. Smart security devices are being inaugurated by offering or launching smart home appliances such as security cameras and video doorbells.

    This IoT trend will be beneficial in the upcoming years, especially from the security perspective. These devices include intelligent voice recognition to better understand their owners.

  3. Interoperability with Ease

    It is important for us to connect our devices anywhere at any time, all the devices in your house will have the advantage of smart operative settings. This will make up a digital house that will have its own equipment intelligence.

    Internet of things, IoT Trends

    This technology is related to people who try to bring something unique and pact with intelligence. This IoT trend is helpful for those who prefer to work from home, making it easier for them to be more productive.

  4. Advanced Sensor Techniques for Medical Services

    It will be great to see that medical equipment can detect chronic diseases and easily suggest a diagnosis procedure. However, it has one disadvantage of having extensive user data, which can create a mess for multiple other medical mediums.

    One of the tiniest examples is a newly launched bathtub that automatically heats at the suggested temperature regularly. This IoT trend needs time to catch on, and it is estimated that 2025, we could reap its full benefits.

  5. No More Cloud Data Dependencies

    We are currently dependent on cloud-based intelligence that stores and protects our data and helps us access it wherever and whenever we need it. However, this technology is being improved to suit a massive audience so that we won’t have to rely on the cloud alone.

    Enterprises will be able to implement real-time applications. You will not have to rely on the cloud for your house or office chores. You can simply opt for more fluent AI-based solutions linked with IoT innovation for better results.

    At [x]cube LABS, we have leveraged this IoT trend to create a suite of services that help reduce your cloud expenses and optimize cloud services.

  6. Massive Adaption

    Due to their popularity, multi-national companies are curating these intelligence devices. This creates a market for better IoT innovations, frameworks, and AI advancements. Now, AI is being used, linking it with IoT to deduce sensory data and send signals to other machines.

    In this IoT trend, multiple language barriers can be eliminated, resulting in better learning and productivity. Massive adaption also means an intelligence wave of IoT-based users. They will be able to notice the voice modes of different human behaviors and mimic them.

Conclusion

The future of IoT innovation linked with AI is bright and requires little time to realize its implications. However, several companies have offered some revolutionary IoT-related devices that are surely better than other less efficient ones. The question is, what is beyond 2022? With the progress of multiple IoT trends, we will surely see more innovation across industries, leading to radical breakthroughs.

IoT applications
Blog, Internet of Things

The Impact of IoT Applications in Everyday Lives

IoT applications

Table of contents

Introduction:

The innovative and revolutionary concept of the Internet of Things or IoT is now all-pervasive. You may not realize it, but IoT applications are now a strong part of our day-to-day lives. We cannot deny all the possible ways IoT is helping us achieve our desired results in everyday chores.

Humans have many options, and each passing day is getting better and better. The physical world can change, and that credit goes to the Internet of Things and the opportunities it creates for the human race. But have you ever wondered how IoT applications work? The technology simply connects all the devices under a network, sends alerts from one device to another, and follows the users’ demands.

To further elaborate on some of the top IoT applications and how they are embedded in our day-to-day lives, here are some of the applications of IoT that are benefitting us like no other.

  1. Traffic and Driving Vehicles

    It might sound cliché but it is one of the efficient fields where IoT applications have facilitated the human race beyond perfection. The Internet of Things has revolutionized how we used to drive our vehicles and now move in general. It is now safer and less stressful for people due to the smart adjustments of traffic lights and flexible traffic conditions. For special vehicles like ambulances, the Internet of Things started to generate real-time patterns for other drivers to have the signals of an ambulance approaching from behind.

    In addition to this traffic, sensors are a great addition to the technology IoT applications bring. Now, we can change our speed and adjust our speed limits based on the weather we are driving in. Also, it guides us on how to avoid previous accidents from happening again and allows us to select the best option while we are moving. In the future, cars will be increasingly connected to this technology to avoid further unpleasant incidents for the drivers.

  2. Energy and Other Appliances

    As we progress, we are leaving footprints that are damaging our environment, but recently, the Internet of Things has reduced this to some extent. We previously consumed high energy in our day-to-day chores, but with IoT applications, the process has been simplified and made safer for the environment.

    IoT applications are now adjusting for more effective bills that do not harm anyone’s pocket. Thermostats are now adjustable according to our modes and habits to switch to the perfect temperature. Considering the far-reaching impact of such applications, we can surmise that their impact on the energy sector constitutes some of the best IoT application examples.

  3. Wearables

    Who doesn’t love the attractive yet advanced wearable technology that IoT has introduced to us?. Multiple wearable products are now making waves due to their adjustable and optimized features for their users. They not only offer better designs but also offer tons of facilities and intelligence to their wearers. They are now efficient in monitoring sleep patterns and help provide hearing aids.

    From tracking activities to connecting you to your socials, these wearables and IoT applications are continuously improving. It is only a matter of time before these wearable products will replace major items and potions on which we rely to perform our daily chores.

    IoT applications

  4. Health Sector

    If there is a sector that was revolutionized the most by IoT applications, it is the healthcare sector and all the other fields connected to it. IoT applications offer solutions to maximize health and safety for people worldwide. It improves patient care by facilitating the medical sector with reduced costs and efficient products.

    IoT applications can make appointments happen quickly and notify your doctor whenever they sense any disturbance in the temperature or your habits. Patients can detect their sugar levels and take precautionary measures, and their blood levels can be detected and monitored at any time.

  5. Corporate Sector

    We cannot deny the process that happened because of IoT applications in the business and industrial sectors. IoT has become an essential part of the industry, and business owners rely heavily on IoT applications and their services in the sector. At [x]cube LABS, we empower global enterprises to leverage IoT to drive great results.

    It covers the initial stages of industries and offices and continues until the customer’s door. It is now easier to optimize logistic operations with IoT applications, which help automate the process for workers and owners quickly. This saves a lot of labor costs and gas bills for multiple factories, especially small businesses that rely a lot on sales.

    From reducing waste to improving service deliveries, IoT is covering many portions of the industrial sector. It is now less expensive to manufacture items and products for customers. IoT applications allow consumers and owners to have transparency and effective delivery in no time.

    Closing Remarks on IoT Applications:

    Going forward, we can expect IoT to increasingly become an integral part of our daily lives and transform our daily tasks. We will gradually become accustomed to smart homes, smart cities, and smart workplaces, which will enhance security, productivity, and ease of use. It will certainly be interesting to see what each innovation brings, and we will continue the coverage of novel IoT applications as more of them surface.

IoT company
Blog, Internet of Things

Top Companies for Your IoT Innovation Needs

IoT company

Table of contents

Introduction:

This is the technological revolution and hyper-connectivity age, where the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a vital role in connecting humanity with advancement. According to research, the IoT will likely boom in the upcoming years due to the stellar work being done by several IoT companies across industries, and we can see that happening around 2025. The sector has provided us with countless facilities, ranging from intelligent wearable products to optimized vehicles and homes.

The Internet of Things industry has a remarkable revenue rate of 1 trillion to 3 trillion every year, and this is likely to multiply in the coming years as more companies and private firms seek the assistance of IoT to run their operations. Around us, we can see multiple IoT-based appliances that IoT-based companies are manufacturing. To understand more about such IoT companies, we have handpicked the top IoT companies to accelerate your innovation needs.

[x]cube LABS

If you are seeking digital innovation and don’t know where to look, [x]cube LABS is a leading IoT company that operates globally and offers IoT-based services to its clients. The firm is highly efficient in providing solutions and assistance in digital transformation, perfectly planning strategies and executing them to gain the best results.

[x]cube LABS is known for its services in digital business transformation and long-term strategies to boost business for its clients. They offer technological executions for small businesses and firms and help them achieve a smooth digital transformation quickly.

Internet of things, IoT company

Aristocrat Leisure Limited

Ever wondered about IoT companies in the gaming industry? Well, Aristocrat is that one brand that is a leading company for providing gaming solutions globally. Because the gaming sector is also booming, just like the Internet of Things sector, there is a lot of scope for an IoT company like Aristocrat to target clients looking for polished and effective gaming solutions.

Licensed in 300+ jurisdictions, Aristocrat is a platform for all gaming sectors to avail themselves of gaming solutions and to fuse IoT and creativity in 90 countries. Aristocrat offers solutions, operating strategies, and advanced maps for gaming designs.

Yext

Projecting itself as the best way to search, the IoT company Yext implements superior AI algorithms in its innovative online search solution. The firm provides better hyperlinks to its clients so they can monitor their data online. It scans keywords and important sites and, with the help of AI, designs patterns to help you search for the right services.

Yext is a merger of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It offers its clients a wide range of online services covering all aspects of online data and hyperlink patterns.

Bevi

Think about an IoT company that combines the Internet of Things with supply chain management. Well, IoT has made waves in supply chain management before, but Bervi is one IoT company that is focusing on innovative measures to take this fusion to a whole new level.

The company smartly replaces single-use water bottles with water machines optimized with intelligence. It enables IoT-based beverage machines and has reduced tons of waste, which was a problem before IoT took over.

Mason

Mason is an IoT company that manufactures IoT-based products from scratch. It offers its clients a wide variety of products, single and bulk, at a cost-effective scale.

This innovative IoT company is known for its smart device platforms, which fully manage the development and delivery of products infused with AI and IoT.

Twin Health

We have always heard and seen with our own eyes how IoT has transformed the healthcare sector within no time, and the Twin Health company is an example of that same innovation IoT caused. The IoT company utilizes machine learning and the Internet of Things to resist and reverse chronic diseases. It also suggests patterns that improve overall human metabolic health and guts.

These groundbreaking results are achieved by utilizing the IoT on patients and their patterns and habits to understand what causes such health issues to prevail.

Internet of things, IoT company

Samsara

We all know how IoT works well with sensors, and Samsara is an IoT company that builds IoT-based sensors for its clients. It is also a cloud and IoT company that offers sensors, software, and solutions along with cloud services to its customers.

The company is known for its leading position in offering safety, efficiency, and sustainability in all IoT-based operations that boost economies worldwide.

Flowcode

As its name suggests, Flowcode is an IoT company focusing on offline and online markets by building connections between consumers and companies. The company is known for its contactless connection, which offers speed, security, and protection from all consumer threats.

It uses the latest QR technology and merges it with data-driven designs, enabling ultra-fast scanning and services to its users.

What is IoT
Blog, Internet of Things

What are “IoT Platforms” and how do they Benefit IoT Implementation for Enterprises?

What is IoT

Table of contents

Introduction:

Before getting into IoT platforms, let’s look at the struggles with IoT adoption itself. As a business leader looking to leverage technology to solve problems, I find it easy to put IoT, or the Internet of Things, forward as a critical piece of the puzzle. However, when a deep dive is required on how to build the product right, what information it should gather, how to test if it’s working, and whether it will justify the investment, decision-makers often struggle to convince others and themselves even. So, how do you bridge the digital divide where you want to give technology a shot and yet are unsure of the benefits everyone keeps talking about?

One thing is sure: if you wait for your theories to be 100% confirmed before putting even a fraction of them into practice, you’ll be waiting forever. The best approach here is to understand your target audience, know the kind of experience they would love to get from your product, build a PoC with a few features, get it out, and see how it is received. If the signs are encouraging, keep building, and if they are not, it’s back to the drawing board.

Since we are talking specifically about IoT here, let’s look at how you can build that PoC quickly and, if it clicks, continue building it at a good pace and scale. Some ways enable you to minimize your initial investment when you are yet to be sure. Do what you need to be sure quickly, and if things don’t work out, you’re not left looking at a vast failed expense. We are discussing using an IoT platform instead of building everything from the ground up.

What is an IoT platform?

Essentially, one of the most significant advantages of building an IoT solution is the amount of data it will collect, the insights you will get about your device’s performance, and how users interact with it. To do this, a range of sensors and APIs must be built for communication between the interface and your back-end. IoT platforms make it easy for you as they are pre-built mediators between physical objects and actionable insights. They enable developers to distribute their applications, gather data remotely, ensure secure connectivity, and facilitate sensor management.

Internet of things

Building security measures for your IoT solution alone is arduous, so you can imagine how easily IoT platforms can make things for you. Additionally, the ability of IoT platforms to make sense of vast volumes of data and present them on an intuitive dashboard means that you learn what you need to learn quickly and take the following steps with increased conviction.

What IoT platforms are available to you?

If you are confused in your search for the best IoT platform, let us simplify things for you. With our extensive experience developing IoT solutions for global enterprises for over a decade, we have come across multiple versatile IoT platforms and even built one of our own! So here’s our take on some of the very best:

Mobius Loop: Call us biased, but we must mention our IoT platform, which has worked wonders for many customers. With a team of over 100 IoT experts who’ve built over 85 IoT solutions across industries, it’s no wonder IoT innovation is one of our core areas of expertise. We started the blog emphasizing that in a fast-paced environment, it’s best if you know what you need to do quickly, and that’s what Mobius Loop enables you to do. You build fast yet robust, and security is built in from the first step.

The Mobius Loop Platform is a high-speed and highly efficient IoT platform that can easily be used to build IoT software and applications. Our IoT platform architecture features visuals and a model-driven system UI templates approach that enables technical developers to consume IoT services and make real-time monitoring & tracking of devices with efficient processes & more intelligent operations.

Through this platform-agnostic strategy, Mobius Loop enables organizations and their developers to build rich experiences on top of connected devices to transform their operations, products, and business models with a low-code platform.

Internet of things

Google Cloud IoT: The company released its IoT development platform based on the Google Cloud infrastructure, which quickly became popular. The IoT platform integrates Google’s valuable features, making building connected solutions more straightforward. These features include “cloud IoT core,” which helps in capturing and handling data; “cloud pub/sub,” which analyses data; “Google BigQuery,” which generates analytics in real-time, an AI platform to run machine learning algorithms; “Google Data Studio” which presents the data in an easy-to-read format, and “Google Maps” which helps with locating connected devices.

Cisco IoT Cloud Connect: This IoT platform was tailor-made for mobile operators and combines Cisco’s stellar IoT hardware offerings with its powerful software suite. Key features of the Cisco IoT platform include an IoT control center that ensures seamless cellular connectivity among the devices, “Extended Enterprise Solution” to develop IoT business applications at the edge, “Edge Intelligence” that makes data processing a breeze, “Industrial Asset Vision” which makes use of sensors to monitor assets and continuously collect relevant data, and “Cisco IoT Threat Defense” that secures the entire platform.

Particle: One of the great benefits of technological advancements is that we can increasingly talk about creating technology with little technical knowledge and, in other words, flattening the learning curve as much as possible for people who want to get into leveraging technology for great results, enabling them to achieve more in less time. While creating the IoT platform needs deep technical knowledge, there’s no reason to make it accessible only to those who share that knowledge, right? Well, Particle is one such IoT platform. It’s edge-to-cloud with excellent connectivity and device management features. Additionally, it integrates with 3rd party services through REST API, is incredibly secure, and can work with data from Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure.

IBM Watson IoT: Prioritizing security, it features several functional elements to accelerate development and ensure seamless connectivity between devices in its IoT monitoring platform. It uses MQTT to absorb data from all sources, provides direct access to updated data in the Cloudant NoSQL DB solution, provides intuitive dashboards to monitor and control assets, robust analytics services to make sense of large volumes of data, and cloud object storage solution to preserve data over a long time.

Conclusion:

Now that you have learned about some of the best IoT platforms you can leverage for your business, you must choose one. Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution among these, and your choice will depend on your unique requirements and use cases. Selecting services from Amazon and Google can seem the right way to go, but they are also the most expensive, and lesser-known alternatives may just give you the right balance between cost and performance. While choosing, consider the technical specifications, ecosystem, and organizations that have built their solutions upon them. Ask for case studies, and verify for yourself the results being delivered. If you have any questions about IoT platforms in general or how you can get started on your IoT initiative, reach out to us at [x]cube LABS, and we’ll be happy to talk.