The Internet is considered by many to have been one of the greatest technological advances of the 20th century. Here in the 21st century the Internet of Things (IoT) might well earn that title.

Currently in its infancy, the Internet of Things is a network of physical objects – computing devices, appliances, vehicles, sensors and even entire buildings that are interconnected through the Internet. Already devices like IP cameras and Nest thermostats allow us to control and monitor our homes remotely through our smartphones. Soon this technology will be combined with other technological advances such as self-driving cars and biometric clothing to allow capabilities that we can’t even dream of right now.

There are many ways that you can get started experimenting with the internet of things right now. Small microcomputers and microcontrollers like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi or dedicated IoT devices like the Intel Spark and Photon will allow you to build and design Internet of Things devices quickly and efficiently. Once you’re done you can use applications like If This Then That (IFTTT) to control your creations from anywhere in the world.