What Internet of Things Devices Are Lawyers Using?

It won't be long before you -- personally -- will be connected to the internet.

It will happen with an earpiece or contact lenses or some wearable. Oh wait, we're already there.

If you haven't noticed, lawyers are literally talking to the air, if not their hand, because they are wirelessly connected to someone, or something, somewhere. Here are some of the smart devices they are using on the Internet of Things.

Wearables

Almost anything with an electronic pulse can connect to the internet. Refrigerators, toasters, and even thermostats, for goodness' sake, can be accessed remotely.

You won't see too many lawyers wearing kitchen appliances, but many are connected to the internet through their smart watches doing research, making client calls, and (don't say this out loud) even "appearing" in court.

You can wear smart glasses for that ultra-cool look if you have the cash. But if you can't afford internet-enabled glasses or an iWatch, at least get a desk top digital assistant.

Digital Assistants

Alexa, the voice of Amazon's Echo, is less expensive than lunch at a gourmet hamburger place. Seriously, the Echo Dot -- which is about the size of a hamburger -- was recently on sale for $39.

And Alexa is connected. She's a lot like Siri on an iPhone, only she's meant to sit on your desk. Google offers one, too.

These digital assistants basically know everything because they're connected to the internet and they talk to you. Through them, you can also tell your other wireless devices what to do -- make bank deposits, schedule deadlines, order pizza instead of hamburgers, etc. Alexa can even track your billable hours with the Workspace Assistant.

Virtually Everything

In reality, virtually everything a lawyer uses can to be connected to the internet. If you want to be in your office virtually, you can connect to your office computer remotely and even appear on a computer screen there.

And you don't need to pay for expensive video conferencing equipment. With Facebook or Facetime, it's included in the price of the computer or an iPhone.

The cell phone, of course, has already completely changed the way lawyers practice law. We take it for granted, but it has more computing power than the IBM machine that guided men to the moon.

Speaking of transportation, don't forget that your car can be connected to the internet, too. Or just use your voice-enabled phone, watch or glasses. Yeah, that's you.

Related Resources:

• The Best Smartglasses 2017: Snap, Vuzix, ODG, Sony & More (Wareable)
• Citepad: a Digital Keypad for Lawyers (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Lawyers, Double Check Your Cell Phone Security (FindLaw's Technologist)