From “smart” houses to “smart” cars, from cashless banking to wearable sensors new technological advances are part of what we call the “Internet of Things” and are now integrated with nearly all aspects of daily living. Even if you are not a user of the computer or the internet, you are a user of things. I started to wonder what this means for the average consumer. More importantly, I began to wonder what this means for the average consumer who is not necessarily tech-savvy. It was William Gibson, the American-Canadian speculative fiction writer who famously said, “The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.” Gibson was predicting the gap between the availability of technology and the adaptation (or lack of it) to using it. In 2019 I wrote a book to address that gap in regard to the impact of emerging IoT technology on our daily lives. The book was released on April 2, 2020 in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. Bookstores are closed, publication pipelines and supply chains are disrupted and we are all staying home to stay safe. Now more than ever we are relying on the internet to make connections, get information, work remotely, and access entertainment. The gap is closing because it must. My book, You and the Internet of Things,(Self Counsel Press 2020) is a practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life. It is timely and relevant, but it might be hard to get through traditional channels.

In consultation with my publisher and publicist, we agreed that this information is important, especially now, so we decided to offer the content in a podcast series. You can still buy the book on Amazon, or order it through your local independent bookstore (many have curbside pick up or delivery), but we felt we wanted to offer a no-cost option, given the financial hardship many are experiencing right now.

If you wonder what the IoT could mean for you, the podcast is your guide to understanding how these soon-to-be common technologies affect you and your family and how to use them for increased safety, security, convenience, and improved quality of life. Whether you are a mainstream user of technology, part of the sandwich generation—that is, somewhere between caring for aging parents and still supporting young people– or a baby boomer trying to navigate the age of the IoT, the podcast series aims to simplify complex information and provide the basics you need to make wise choices.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

In the first episode I chat with Bosco Anthony , digital strategist and storyteller. Anthony’s background in the corporate sector gives him keen insight on thought leadership, business growth, digital strategy and critical thinking ideology. Anthony spends much time on research and trends and is an idea rebel at heart. He is recognized for his mentorship, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for strategy. Anthony is a big picture guy, and we discuss the Internet of Things as it relates to digital access and digital literacy for the average consumer, and the importance of being fully human in the age of technology. Anthony offer his thoughts on the “digital melody” that is the smart, connected world of the IoT.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

In this episode, I talk with Rob Richardson of Arlo Technologies for the rundown on the infrastructure needed to support a smart, connected home. We’ll talk, wifi, routers, and repeaters. Richardson will also give us the inside scoop on smart home security cameras.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

Canadian tech journalist John Biehler of GetConnected Media is on deck to discuss the significant concerns for consumers around data security, privacy and network safety. With other guests, we’ll look at choosing the right ecosystem for your smart home and what differentiates Google, Apple, and Amazon. The podcast will offer a high-level look at the principles to consider when making decisions about smart devices, and offer practical advice on using technology wisely and well.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your favourite podcast player.