IoT and Android: How These Devices Connect and Communicate

1. IoT and Android: How These Devices Connect and Communicate (with/without Internet)!   IoT and Android: How These Devices Connect and Communicate (with/without Internet)!   Smart Home Table of Index:   Table of Index:   Introduction Introduction Emergence of IoT Emergence of IoT How do IoT Devices Communicate? Communicate? How do IoT Devices How IoT Is Helpful for SMBs and Other Businesses and Other Businesses How IoT Is Helpful for SMBs

2. Android and IoT: How do They Partner?  ? Android Is a Universal Front-en? ? Android is Built on Linux Kernel and uses Java, C, C+? ? Developing Android applications using software Drivers for sensors or IoT devices? ? Use of open-source Protocol libraries like BACnet, BLE, Modbus, Mbus etc? ? Propriety protocols on top of interfaces like Ethernet, Internet Protocol, USB, Bluetooth, UART, RS-232 etc. Will IoT Work Without the Internet?   ? Android Is a Universal Front-en? ? Android is Built on Linux Kernel and uses Java, C, C+? ? Developing Android applications using software Drivers for sensors or IoT devices? ? Use of open-source Protocol libraries like BACnet, BLE, Modbus, Mbus etc? ? Propriety protocols on top of interfaces like Ethernet, Internet Protocol, USB, Bluetooth, UART, RS-232 etc. Will IoT Work Without the Internet?   FAQ’s- The Most Common Questions   Introduction:  IoT is an umbrella that refers to the billions of things (or physical objects) connected to the internet, all exchanging data (in real-time) with other systems or devices. Practically, any physical object can easily be transformed into IoT when connected to the internet to communicate or control information.

3. An IoT device could be as simple as a light bulb or as complex as driverless cars, jet engines, or anything that's filled with sensors collecting and transmitting data to ensure swift operations.  Additionally, an IoT device can also be that generally don't operate through the internet and communicate within the network, irrespective of human intervention.   Emergence of IoT:  While IoT was created in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, the first IoT gadget came early in 1980 at Carnegie Mellon University. Today, there are approximately 13 billion IoT-connected devices, which by 2030 are expected to grow by 29 billion.  35 30 29.42 27.31 25.21 25 23.14 21.09 20 19.08 17.08 15.14 15 13.14 11.28 8.76 10 8.6 5 0 8.6 8.76 11.28 13.14 15.14 17.08 19.08 21.09 23.14 25.21 27.31 29.42

4. How IoT is Important for SMBs and Other Businesses:   The benefits of the Internet of Things for businesses depend on the agility, efficiency and implementation of the businesses. The idea behind this is to allow businesses to have more access to the data, their internal connected systems and products.  The enterprise use of these connected devices can be divided into two segments  ? Industry-specific segment, which includes sensors, real-time location devices for healthcare, for IoT App Development Services and in industries like security systems, smart device monitoring systems, air conditioners, and many more? ? Cross-industry specific segment, which includes things like personal wellness, smart homes and many other connected devices.

5. How IoT Devices Communicate? An ideal IoT landscape consists of a web-enabled smart device that uses embedded systems such as sensors, processors, and communication gear to collect, send, and act on the information/data collected.  By connecting to IoT, the device will be able to process information in real-time.  Sensores Connectivity Data Progressing User interface Collecting data Sending Data to Cloud Making Data useful Delivering information to user Android and IoT How do They Partner?   IoT (Internet of Things) and Android devices make quite a dynamic duo! These devices leverage Android's user-friendly interface and robust app ecosystem to provide a seamless experience for users. Android app development plays major role in IOT. The communication between IoT devices and Android often happens through wireless technologies like Wi- Fi or Bluetooth, enabling real-time data exchange and remote control. If IoT market trends are to be believed, most of the smart devices operate on Android (Google's most popular operating System). Additionally, IoT devices generate a large amount of data, which can be accessed and viewed from anywhere. And, since Android Things preview versions allow developers to access the OpenGL and WebView preview, the Android-IoT due makes complete sense. Some of the other reasons why this partnership makes sense are:

6. Android is a Universal Front-end: Android has a well-established app ecosystem; this Linux-based software is open-source, making it accessible to developers to use and customise its source code in any gadget.  Many IoT devices have dedicated Android apps that allow users to easily monitor and control their smart devices. The availability of these apps enhances the interoperability between Android devices and IoT devices. Another reason why IoT developers prefer Android is that it lowers the overall cost of IoT devices, making it affordable for consumers.  Android is built on Linux Kernel and uses Java, C, and C++: Android is built upon the Linux kernel, which serves as the core of the operating system. The Linux kernel provides essential functionalities such as hardware abstraction, device drivers, and core system services. Many IoT devices and platforms leverage the Linux kernel for their operating systems due to its open-source nature, stability, and wide device support.   Developing Android applications using software Drivers for sensors or IoT devices: When developing Android applications that interact with sensors or IoT devices, software drivers refers to the specialised code that allow communication between the Android operating system and the sensors or IoT devices Use of open-source Protocol libraries like BACnet, BLE, etc: Open source libraries provide standardised communication protocol that allow devices to exchange data seamlessly. Libraries like BACnet, BLE and more facilitates communication between devices like HVAC systems, wearables, health monitors and more. Propriety protocols on top of interfaces like Ethernet, Internet Protocol, USB, Bluetooth, UART, RS-232 etc. Android is built on Linux Kernel and uses Java, C, C++ 

7. Will IoT work Without the Internet?  IoT is also defined as the collection of actuator devices and edge sensors, all connected to cloud-based analytics and computing resources through the internet. However, the edge devices are often involved in various other roles (depending upon the device type), and sometimes serve as the network entry or exit points. The more functions devices need to perform, the more edge systems become reliant. However, not everyone has a direct Internet connection IoT App Development Services are trending these days.  This gives rise to the question- can IoT work without the internet? A study by Statista found that there will be more than 29 billion connected devices, almost six devices for each of the 7.7 billion people on Earth. However, not all these devices directly connect to the internet. Many devices, like those in homes or factories, connect to a router using a non- IP bus like ZigBee. In this case, the router is the only one staying connected to the internet, allowing it to communicate with the device's remote components. Devices, like small sensors, sometimes benefit from not being directly connected to a high-performance IP-based network. This is because having an IP address can make them more vulnerable to hacking. Additionally, some devices might be in remote areas without a consistent and dependable internet connection. In such cases, options may be limited to logging data locally and then moving it to the location produce insights and recommendations using a memory stick. Despite the lack of internet, long-distance communications are possible with the right tools. An example is Thingstream, a network based on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) communications. USSD provides secure IoT connectivity without relying on the internet.
 Due to gateways that work on standard IP networks, IoT devices can easily communicate at a distance of a few kilometres to a specific range depending on the environment.

8. Will IoT work Without the Internet?  So, does IoT need the internet to operate? Even though IoT doesn't require the internet, its name comes from the fact that it uses similar technology. Think of IoT as objects using internet-like tech, which is valuable even without the internet. 
 Let's understand this by taking an example of an 'automated soil irrigation system.' In the irrigation system, the program activities and its learnings are made with IoT, such as turning the water supply off when the soil is wet, the amount of water required. But, when the same information is connected to the internet, the data from IoT helps monitor soil and provide real-time insights into the information required for analysis. How Android Devices can be Connected With IoT:
 Connecting Android devices with IoT (Internet of Things) devices involves a combination of hardware and software interactions. Here's a how you can do:    Communication Protocols: Identify the communication protocols supported by your IoT device. Common protocols include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, MQTT, CoAP, etc. Develop or Install IoT Apps: Check if there's a dedicated app for your IoT device on the platform. If not, you might need to develop or install an app that supports your specific IoT device. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Setup: For Wi-Fi-enabled IoT devices, you'll need to connect them to your local Wi-Fi network. This is often done through a setup process within the IoT device's app. For Bluetooth-enabled devices, you may need to pair the devices through the Android Bluetooth settings.

9. APIs and SDKs: If you're developing an app to interface with your IoT device, use the manufacturer's APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or SDKs (Software Development Kits). These tools provide the necessary functions and methods for your app to communicate with the IoT device. Security Considerations: Implement security measures such as encryption and authentication, especially if your IoT device handles sensitive data. This ensures a secure connection between your Android device and the IoT device. Cloud Integration: Some IoT devices use cloud platforms for remote monitoring and control. Ensure that your IoT device is properly connected to its cloud service and that your Android app can communicate with the device through the cloud. User Interface: Design a user-friendly interface in your Android app to control and monitor the IoT device. This could include features like real-time updates, notifications, and remote-control options. Testing: Test the connectivity thoroughly. Check if the Android app can successfully send commands to the IoT device and receive data from it. Firmware and Software Updates: Keep both your Android device and IoT device updated with the latest firmware and software updates to ensure compatibility and security.

10. FAQ’s:   Can I Use My Phone as an IoT? Yes! Android provides robust support for IoT through various APIs and frameworks. You can connect Android devices to a wide range of IoT devices such as smart thermostats, lights, cameras, and more. Is my Smartphone an IoT? Yes! Your mobile phone is a prime example of an IoT device. It's not just a phone for making calls; it's a device that connects to the internet, interacts with various services, and can communicate with other smart devices. Whether you're using it to control smart home devices, track your fitness, or receive notifications from social media, your mobile phone is a key player in the IoT ecosystem. Can a Mobile Phone Be Used to Control IoT Devices? Yes! Your mobile phone can serve as a powerful remote control for a variety of IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The communication between your phone and the IoT devices is often facilitated through wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even cellular networks. It adds a level of convenience and accessibility, as you can control and monitor your IoT devices from anywhere with an internet connection. Conclusion:   Now that you know how IoT is revolutionising the world around us and how it can be used with your Android phone, this would give you confidence to invest in these devices more. If you want to get IoT and Android related app development services, connect with Ficode. We can cater to your app developing needs.