Five important things to know about the Wi-Fi® Internet of Everything

It’s clear the Internet of Everything is happening, and Wi-Fi is a fundamental enabler. Consumers are coming to understand that the Wi-Fi technology they already know and love is making their lives even better by connecting them to thousands of Internet of Everything products. And it’s even increasing purchase likelihood for smart home devices. In order to help navigate this growing market, Wi-Fi Alliance has put together a list of five important things consumers should know about the Internet of Everything.

1. The Wi-Fi Internet of Everything is happening now. Wi-Fi is already connecting the Internet of Everything applications that consumers want today. There are a large variety of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, light bulbs, home security, monitoring and control systems, appliances, automotive products, and wearable devices available today, including the Nest thermostat, Belkin WeMo, LIFX light bulbs, Lockitron, Doorbot, and the Garmin Forerunner 620 – among many others.
    
2. A single technology can help make all connections seamless. Just think about being able to purchase a new Wi-Fi enabled TV, thermostat, sprinkler system, or even washing machine and immediately adding it right to the same network as your computer, tablet and smartphone. Wi-Fi is the connectivity of choice for so many existing devices, and it is the network of choice for new connected products. Among those surveyed, 91 percent indicated that they are more likely to purchase smart products for their household if they can sync everything to their existing Wi-Fi network.
    
3. Don’t be fooled by the hype. Wi-Fi applications with practical uses will have success, and those that are simply novel will die away. So think twice before you purchase those Wi-Fi connected leg warmers, do they actually serve a purpose? Most people seem to get it, in fact, over half (53 percent) already have major household items with Wi-Fi connectivity other than conventional devices such as tablets and phones. Top connected items include the television, home security, a thermostat, and lighting.
    
4. With more connected devices, security is more important than ever. As more of our day-to-day living becomes automated, it’s critical to practice safe connected habits. Wi-Fi has industry-standard security protections consumers can rely on.  A Wi-Fi network using WPA2™ provides both security (you can control who connects) and privacy (the transmissions cannot be read by others) for communications as they travel across your network. For maximum security, your network should include only devices with the latest in security technology – Wi-Fi Protected Access® 2 (WPA2). Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ devices implement WPA2.
    
5. Think about your future needs. On average, the tech-savvy consumers we surveyed think all homes will have smart technology in just 12 years, and 68 percent think devices and appliances without smart technology will become obsolete in 16 – that’s not far off!  Combine that with the fact that we all make major purchases like a car, washer and dryer, or refrigerator at least once a decade, so it is important to consider Wi-Fi enabled devices when shopping for your next big household purchase. In fact, 77 percent of smartphone and tablet users think Wi-Fi connectivity will be an important purchase consideration when they next have to replace major household items, including televisions, home security systems, thermostats, lighting, and even cars.