30 SECOND GUIDE TO ... INTERNET OF THINGS

What is it? rIGHT now, most people use the internet to get access to the web, browse emails or watch films on services such as Netflix. But the time is coming when it will be used to link billions of ‘ordinary’ household items, hooking up everything from fridges to cars and watches. In some instances, it has already begun.

What’s the point? THIS can bring a lot of advantages. New technology allows connected cars to communicate about traffic conditions ahead, or patches of ice on the road to other drivers. Some electrical items will be able to detect if they are about to break down and send an order for spare parts before the event.

Anything else? THE medical benefits could be huge. A lavatory seat is on trial that has a chip which can detect early signs of bladder cancer. Live monitors, from heart rates to number of paces and even blood sugar levels are already widespread.

Is it lucrative? VErY. Yesterday ArM, Britain’s biggest chip designer, said that a rising number of its orders were for chips in items other than mobile phones. It signed a record 54 licence deals in the last three months, with the technology to be used in a range of items from biometric sensors to car engines. Half-year profits rose 28pc to £244m on sales that were up 22pc to £456m.