The future seems limitless when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT).

With more than 12 billion active endpoints worldwide, the IoT is ever-growing with commercial, medical, industrial, and personal applications soaring. IoT is transforming the way we live our lives by merging the physical and digital worlds.

Consumers should expect to see smart versions of devices coming out from now on. Just as the refrigerator and digital cameras changed our lives, so too will the connected devices of the future.

From recent trends to predictions about the future, here's what's going on for consumers in the IoT world.

Today's biggest smart IoT successes

There is no shortage of viral smart devices, especially ones like smart watches which are easily incorporated into everyday use. Most of the successful smart devices on the market are simple upgrades to what you already own or use—but their impact is undeniable.

1. 1. Personal use

Personal smart devices from the frivolous to the hyper-practical can be seen on store shelves, on wrists, and on crowdfunding websites.

• Smartphones: It seems too obvious, but we can’t overlook the way that smartphones have revolutionized the world in the way we communicate with one another. For most smartphone users, much of their life is carried in that one device. Featuring apps that connect personal health information and passwords to critical accounts and phone numbers for family members. It really is equivalent to carrying around a pocket-sized computer.
• Key and wallet finders: Small devices that pair with an app are notably helpful for locating keys and wallets. There are a plethora of options on the market, and their affordability has made them quite lucrative. Some, like the extremely popular Tile, can also tell you where a paired device is—so your phone can find your keys, but your keys can also find your phone.
  
• Fitness trackers: Following in the footsteps of the heart rate monitor and pedometer, wearable “fitness trackers” with a range of functions—from sleep and heart rate monitoring to GPS tracking—have exploded in the last few years. Fitbits are ubiquitous, but there are many versions of the product. Even designer brands have come out with their own versions of a tracker.
  
• Smartwatches: As if the smartphone wasn’t smart enough, the smartwatch is capable of doing much of the same, but is conveniently located on a user’s wrist. From tracking your health to messaging friends, smartwatches can even be used to pay for transactions and unlock your car. Everyone from fashion retailers, like Fossil, to tech companies like Apple and LG, is making them.
  
• Smart cars: The growing smart car field means smart cars are likely to become as omnipresent as smartphones. Today, smart cars can track conditions on the road, help drivers manage routes, and even optimize fuel efficiency. They also assist drivers with parking, driving, braking, and changing lanes.
  

2. Home use

The idea of building a “smart home” has been around since “The Jetsons” came onto the scene in 1962 with a house equipped with futuristic gadgets. Upgrades for existing home systems are in high demand, and with each passing year, it becomes easier to update and connect home devices. We may not quite be at the robot dream home of “The Jetsons” but households represent a huge market for connected devices.

• Smart thermostats: Smart home technology is not only making lives easier but also contributing to environmental sustainability. Smart thermostats give homeowners the ability to control their heating and cooling from their mobile devices. That means they can set the temperature for when they’re away and even create zones for heating and cooling within the home. 
  
• Smart appliances: The idea of an autonomous robot vacuum probably sounded like something from “The Jetsons,” but it’s now been a reality with the Roomba. And companies like LG have even created washing machines and refrigerators that can be controlled via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. 
  
• Smart home security: With IoT, home security is even easier thanks to wireless cameras that homeowners can access from anywhere using their smartphone. Smart technology has also enabled smarter doorbells with integrated cameras, and door locks that you can control from your phone.
  
• Smart light bulbs: Internet-connected LED light bulbs to allow users to customize, schedule, and control their lighting all from the smartphone or a simple remote. The wireless technology is built into the bulb and doesn't require the lamp or light fixture to be plugged into an electrical source. They represent an affordable luxury for homeowners, and can also be energy and money-saving.
  
• Smart plugs: Plugged into a regular wall outlet and then connected to your WiFi network, a smart plug will allow you to control anything that’s plugged in. That means you can schedule the times that your lights go on at night and off in the morning, saving you money on your electrical bill. Anything plugged into a smart plug can be controlled via your smartphone, so no more mornings wondering if you unplugged that hair dryer. 
  
• Speakers: Wireless speakers have been around for so long that they don't feel new or exciting anymore. But ubiquity is a sign of success and, with music streaming more accessible than ever, everything from waterproof shower speakers to high-end speakers with good sound quality are available for purchase.

3. IoT controllers

Controllers, or hubs, will one day be central linchpins in smart device systems. There are versions of IoT controllers coming out today and, while popular, they are nowhere near done reaching their full potential. This will be a part of tech that continues to grow and change around the new IoT devices that crop up. 

• Hubs: Some prime examples of hubs are Echo/Alexa and GoogleHome. Hubs are the workhorses of the IoT world, with the ability to control multiple devices. They're part personal assistant, part controller for devices, and part speaker. Though impressive as they stand today, these devices will have to become more nimble as more systems are connected to them.
  
• Smart routers: As our reliance on smart devices grows, the role of the WiFi network becomes even more crucial than before. Enter the smart WiFi router, which automatically scans, looking for the most stable connection available. The smart router enables better network security and device management. While connected routers may not be in every home today, they will become more standard. There is some overlap between hubs and smart routers, and it will be interesting to see how this space develops.

4. The Future of IoT

As digital technology evolves and more people embrace the convenience that comes from automated and personalized tech, the world of IoT will only grow. As we noted above, the possibilities are endless. 

• Smart glasses: With smartphones, watches, TVs, and even homes, it really isn’t surprising that glasses are next on the list. While the nascent smart glasses space is finding its footing, capabilities like AR functionality, the ability to take photos and video, and listening to music are sure to be a hit with consumers. While they look like regular glasses, smart glasses include a camera, microphone, speakers, and voice control.
  
• Smart cars: It won’t be long before we are seeing fully autonomous cars on the road, helping to reduce human errors, making automobiles and driving safer and easier for everyone. While the technology is still in its early stages, smart car development has accelerated and we are likely to see these intelligent vehicles on the road in our lifetime. 
  
• Smart clothing: It appears even our clothing is going to become smarter with the integration of nanotechnology and textiles. These fabrics will be able to monitor a wearer’s biomedical functions through nanotechnology. One great use case for this type of technology is for first responders who are constantly in emergency situations. Smart clothing would help improve safety, coordination, and survival management.
  
• Augmented reality: With augmented reality (AR) picking up, it's only a matter of time before IoT devices blend into a commonplace AR experience. This is certainly going to be interesting and engaging for consumers, but expect it to appear in tech companies and science labs as well.

The possibilities are endless

As our physical and digital worlds become more intertwined, the potential advancements through IoT are endless. The integration of man, machine, and the network will bring about a world that is faster, smarter, and more efficient.