What is a defining characteristic of the 1st wave of IoT?

The defining characteristic of the 1st wave of IoT is the hardware breakthroughs that connected everyday objects to a network. During this initial phase, significant advancements were made in the development of sensors, microcontrollers, and networking technologies. These innovations enabled physical objects, such as appliances, vehicles, and wearable devices, to connect to the internet and interact with one another, thus forming the foundation of the IoT ecosystem.

This focus on hardware was critical because it allowed for the collection and transmission of data from the physical world to digital platforms. As these devices became more prevalent and capable of communication, they opened up new opportunities for automation, data analysis, and enhanced user experiences. The proliferation of these connected devices is what sparked the broader development and integration of IoT solutions into various industries, ultimately leading to the advancements we see today. The emphasis on hardware advancements over software or advanced techniques at this stage is what sets this wave apart from subsequent developments in the field.