Author: Mazlan Abbas

IOT Evangelist

How To Simplify Your Final Year IoT Projects

The Challenges in Building University’s IoT Projects

Use this method to demonstrate a great IoT project.

Collect, Aggregate, and Visualise the IoT Project in a Rapid Manner

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Let me share a bit about my experience listening to the struggles faced by university students who have to tackle an IoT project for their final year.

It’s fascinating and a bit daunting, to be honest.

Most students get the gist of what IoT is capable of, but when it comes down to actually building their projects, they hit some real roadblocks.

The challenges of building an IoT project

First off, there’s the hardware side of things.

It’s not just about slapping together some components; it requires genuine electrical and electronics know-how, which not everyone has.

Then, there’s the programming aspect — getting the IoT device to do what you want, or setting up an app to make sense of the data.

And speaking of data, the third hurdle is figuring out how to collect it from the sensors, store it properly, and then pull it out again for useful stuff like dashboard visualizations or app functions.

These steps can eat up a ton of time, especially if you’re trying to do it all solo.

From what I’ve seen, a student working alone often ends up with a simpler demo, not because they lack ideas, but because of resource and skill limitations.

Funding and team projects

While some universities don’t provide any funding for these projects, others might give just enough to cobble together a basic IoT setup.

In contrast, when students work in teams, they can pool their resources and skills, often leading to a more sophisticated project outcome.

That’s why I think it’s smarter for students to play to their strengths.

If you’re good with hardware, focus on that; if you’re a whiz at coding or data analysis, make that your centerpiece.

And here’s a bit of advice: don’t sweat the middleware or setting up a server from scratch.

Platforms like Favoriot can be a real game-changer.

They simplify device onboarding, streamline data collection, and offer ready-made dashboard widgets for customization.

This approach can free students up to concentrate on what they do best, whether that’s engineering a neat piece of hardware or developing killer app functionality, leading to a more polished and impressive final project.

Check out the Free Favoriot IoT Plan for a test run on an IoT platform.

Poem: Backstage to Center Stage

Transforming from reserved to resilient.

Photo by 青 晨 on Unsplash

In my school days, a quiet shadow, I’d glide,

Amongst the crowds, yet always aside.

Words were my refuge, not people, I’d say,

In the realm of silence, I’d quietly stay.

With friends few, and whispers soft,

In my comfort zone, I’d loft.

A world so small, yet deep and vast,

Where time and thoughts would gently pass.

But life, it turns, it twists, it sways,

Led me down unexpected ways.

An academic’s path I chose to tread,

Speaking out loud, my growing dread.

Photo by Miguel Henriques on Unsplash

Lectures to give, students to meet,

My heart would race, skip every beat.

Yet, with each word, each presentation,

I found a new sense of elation.

Research papers, local and global stages,

Pushed me through my self-built cages.

Speaking of findings, sharing my quest,

In every conference, I’d give my best.

Still, social gatherings weren’t my flair,

In those moments, I’d gasp for air.

But change, it beckoned, with a force so strong,

Into the world of business, I was drawn.

An entrepreneur, with a vision new,

Meeting people, my network grew.

Pitches and deals, handshakes and smiles,

Traversing through countless miles.

In this new world, I found my voice,

In vibrant dialogues, I’d rejoice.

No longer the introvert in silent retreat,

But a speaker, a leader, never to defeat.

Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash

Now I stand, transformed, renewed,

In social realms, no longer subdued.

The journey was long, the challenges vast,

But in the art of conversation, I’m cast.

From a quiet spirit to a vibrant soul,

In every interaction, I play a role.

No longer the shadow, but in the light,

Engaging, sharing, shining bright.

This is my story, a metamorphosis rare,

From solitude to a social flair.

A testament to growth, to change, to dare,

In the dance of life, I now take my share.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Check out my other poems:

View at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.com

How Medium Shaped My Voice (A Poem)

Crafting Dreams

Photo by Chris Spiegl on Unsplash

Upon the vast and endless Medium stage,

I stood, a novice, at the very edge.

English, not my tongue, a barrier it seemed,

Yet, within me, a passionate writer dreamed.

My early words stumbled, fell flat, unrefined,

In the craft of language, I was nearly blind.

My articles, brief, lacking depth or flair,

Felt like echoes in an empty square.

Photo by Amador Loureiro on Unsplash

No readers lingered, no followers to find,

Just my lone voice, in the digital wind.

Comments, claps – they were nowhere in sight,

In the writers’ realm, I had yet to ignite.

But a spark within me refused to dim,

Against the tide, I learned to swim.

With every article, every line,

I saw my own progress, a gradual incline.

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Medium’s writers, with open arms and minds,

Showed me that growth is what one finds.

They shared their knowledge, their art, their soul,

In their sea of words, I found my role.

I learned to craft headlines, to allure,

To weave my words, make my voice pure.

My grammar strengthened, my vocabulary grew,

In the language of Shakespeare, I found my cue.

Photo by Peter Olexa on Unsplash

From a shaky start, my confidence soared,

With each new piece, my spirit roared.

My followers increased, claps began to rain,

No longer did I write in vain.

In this community, I found my pace,

Each helpful tip, a warm embrace.

I am a writer, no longer in fear,

On Medium’s expanse, I steer my sphere.

Photo by Mikołaj on Unsplash

From a timid voice, now clear and strong,

I share my story, I belong.

My journey, a testament to perseverance,

In the world of words, I’ve found my resonance.

So here I am, in this vibrant throng,

Medium, the place where I belong.

With every word, I paint my dream,

On this vast canvas, I now gleam.

Let this poem be my heartfelt song,

A tribute to where I’ve come along.

For in this space, I’ve found my way,

In the heart of Medium, I will stay.

Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash

Poem: Echoes of Perseverance

Melodies from Life’s Battleground

Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash

In shadows of failure, I once dwelled in doubt,

A journey beset with the whispers of defeat,

Yet within my heart, a resilient shout,

Whispered of victories I had yet to meet.

I failed to walk, yet dreams beckoned me on,

Stumbling steps that faltered, yet grew strong,

With each fall, a resolve was redrawn,

In the symphony of struggle, I found my song.

Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

I could not run, nor leap towards the sky,

Gravity mocked, yet spirit soared high,

From the ashes of attempts, I learned to fly,

Winning championships, under triumph’s cry.

High school’s end came without acclaim,

Paths traditional, I could not claim,

Yet, within the embers, a persistent flame,

To enter university, rewriting my name.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Years passed, and the right job eluded grasp,

Each rejection, a serpent’s venomous clasp,

Yet within me, a vision held tight clasp,

To forge my path, my future to unclasp.

From the echoes of ‘no,’ a new idea took wing,

Entrepreneurial dreams, to life I’d bring,

In the market’s harsh arena, I’d be king,

Creating success from each failing.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Failures many, like storms, did rage,

Yet each setback scripted wisdom’s page,

Resilience, my steadfast heritage,

Crafting from losses, a victorious stage.

For in each defeat, a lesson lay bare,

A stepping stone to reach somewhere,

With each misstep, I gathered rare,

Insights, turning despair to flair.

Photo by Marc Najera on Unsplash

Now I stand, where once I fell,

A tale of triumph, I live to tell,

From the depths of failure’s well,

I rose, in success’s sunlight to dwell.

This journey, marked by time’s relentless test,

Proves within us all, lies a quest,

To turn failures into a zest,

And in our darkest hours, find our best.

So let these words, a beacon be,

For those who in their struggles, seek to see,

That every loss bears the key,

To unlock success’s vast, boundless sea.

How I Rediscovered Joy in Writing Beyond Medium’s Algorithms

Finding Fulfillment in Writing Without Obsessing Over Medium’s Metrics

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Initially, I was all hyped up about cracking the code to Medium’s algorithm and figuring out how to rake in some cash with my writing.

I mean, who wouldn’t be, right? Those tips and earning reports from other writers were like a siren song, pulling me in with promises of success and visibility.

For a while, it was great.

I devoured every article about increasing traffic, boosting engagement, and maximizing earnings on Medium.

I was determined to replicate the success stories I read about, so I started churning out content focused on “how to make money on Medium” and “how to gain more traffic.”

It felt like I was on the right path, contributing my voice to the chorus of experts and enthusiasts.

Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash

But then, something started to shift.

After three months of reading and writing the same kind of content, a sense of monotony crept in. It was like Groundhog Day, but with articles on Medium strategies.

The initial thrill of discovery faded, replaced by a growing sense of ennui.

I no longer felt that spark of excitement when I came across yet another article on Medium’s secrets to success.

It was all becoming a bit… well, boring.

Photo by Siavash Ghanbari on Unsplash

That’s when I realized I needed a change.

I decided to break away from the echo chamber of Medium monetization strategies and traffic tips.

I wanted to rediscover the joy of writing, to explore topics that genuinely interested me, without worrying about algorithms or analytics.

So, I ventured into new territories – writing travelogues and poems, sharing my personal experiences and creative expressions.

It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air after being cooped up indoors for too long. Suddenly, writing felt exciting again.

I was no longer constrained by the need to fit into a particular niche or follow a formula for success.

I was writing for me, and it was liberating.

Reading different stories on Medium added another layer of refreshment.

I was exposed to a diversity of voices and perspectives, reminding me of the vastness and richness of human experience.

Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

It was a welcome change from the repetitive content I had grown so tired of.

In the end, this journey taught me an invaluable lesson: writing should be a source of joy, not just a means to an end.

It’s important to stay true to oneself and explore various avenues of creativity.

After all, the beauty of writing lies in its infinite possibilities and the unique stories each of us has to share.

So, here’s to new beginnings and the endless joy of writing about what truly matters to us!

-mazlan-

Exploring San Francisco’s Icons: Pier 39 and the Crookedest Street

San Francisco’s Must-Sees

My Day Exploring San Francisco’s Treasures

Author at Pier 39

Did you know where do I even kick off about my awesome day in San Fran?

So, I hit Pier 39 first, and man, it was buzzing!

The moment you step there, it’s like the place just grabs you.

There’s laughter everywhere, tourists snapping pics, and oh, those sea lions!

They’re just chilling and goofing around, stealing the show without even trying.

Shops everywhere!

I meandered through the pier, soaking up every bit of it — the killer views of the Bay, Alcatraz chilling out there in the water, and the Golden Gate Bridge looking all majestic.

It felt unreal, like I’d walked right into a postcard, only this was way cooler because I was actually living it.

I ducked into a bunch of quirky shops, grabbed some funky keepsakes, and oh, the food!

You’ve gotta try the clam chowder there; it’s a game changer!

The crookedest street in the world

Then, as if the day wasn’t epic enough, I rolled over to Lombard Street, the one that looks like a squiggly line gone wild.

They call it “the crookedest street in the world,” and it’s no joke.

Driving down those hairpin turns was like a slow-mo thrill ride with epic scenery thrown in.

The gardens on either side were popping with color, and those cute Victorian houses just oozed charm.

I couldn’t resist snapping a ton of pics.

Like, every turn was a new postcard-worthy view, with the city spread out below just showing off.

I even got chatting with some other tourists, swapping stories and tips. It’s just one of those spots where everyone’s in a good mood, you know?

Author at Lombard Street

So, yeah, Pier 39 and Lombard Street?

Totally unforgettable.

If you’re ever in San Francisco, you can’t miss them.

They’ve got this unique vibe that sums up everything cool about the city.

Trust me, you’ll have a blast and get some amazing memories (and photos) to take home!

Poem: Through the Lens of Lost Friendship

A Poem of Love and Friendship

Childhood friends – Best of friends. Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

In the heart of rolling hills, beneath the vast, blue sky,

Two souls embarked on life’s journey, side by side, they’d fly.

Raised in the rustic charm of a quaint, rural embrace,

Their laughter echoed in the fields, a heartwarming base.

Two children, pure and free, with dreams as wide as day,

In open fields and whispering woods, together they would play.

Best friends in sunlit meadows, worst enemies by night,

Yet by dawn’s gentle light, they’d find everything all right.

The bond is forever. Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Through seasons’ swift transitions, their bond was forged in steel,

In the simplicity of country life, their friendship they’d reveal.

Sharing secrets, hopes, and fears, beneath the old oak tree,

In its shade, they’d ponder life, just where they loved to be.

But as the wheel of time spun on, life’s paths diverged apart,

Each chasing different dreams, yet connected at the heart.

Though miles came between them, their bond remained so strong,

In every whisper of the wind, their friendship tagged along.

As time flies. Photo by Sam McNamara on Unsplash

Years rolled into decades, life’s burdens took their toll,

Yet their shared past and memories played an everlasting role.

Then one day, a letter came, with news that struck like thorns,

One friend was gravely ill, his heart, it mourns and mourns.

The news pierced like winter’s frost through the other’s soul,

Regret for lost time surged, taking an unbearable toll.

Rushing back to that old town, to the fields of their youth,

To stand once more beside his friend, with love and heartfelt truth.

Feeling lonely. Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

In the quiet of a hospital room, hands found each other tight,

Eyes spoke of gratitude, of friendship’s enduring light.

Words were scarce, but unnecessary, for in their silent gaze,

Lay years of shared experiences, the golden childhood days.

They reminisced about the past, of petty fights and games,

Of dreams they had as children, before life changed their aims.

In those final moments, their past conflicts seemed so small,

For now, just being together was the greatest gift of all.

Best friend forever. Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

As the sun set on one life, the other held him close,

Whispering tearful goodbyes, love was what mattered most.

And when the final breath was drawn, and tears like rivers flowed,

The living friend knew in his heart, their bond would forever glow.

Though one had departed, their friendship would never fade,

For in the heart of the survivor, those childhood memories stayed.

In every whisper of the wind, in every rustling leaf,

He’d feel his friend’s presence, in joy, in love, in grief.

Their story tells of friendship’s force, beyond life’s fleeting span,

A bond that weathers every storm, since their shared tale began.

For in the essence of their souls, they were more than friends, they were kin,

A testament to love’s enduring power, held deeply within.

Love of friendship. Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

Poem: Rising Phoenix

Verses of triumph over adversity

Photo by Olhar Angolano on Unsplash

In the gloom of my darkest days, under life’s relentless haze,

Where shadows loom, and spirits fray, hope seems to lose its blaze.

Beaten down, with failures rife, I trudge the weary path,

Tired soul, burdened life, succumbing to despair’s wrath.

Yet in this abyss, I pause, feeling life’s unyielding jaws,

Grappling with my silent cause, fighting without applause.

Amidst the turmoil, a spark – a flicker of inner might,

Whispers, “Stand up from the dark,” urging me to fight.

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash

From the depths of my despair, where hope seemed bleak and rare,

Emerges strength from nowhere, born from sheer will to dare.

In my heart, a flame ignites, dispelling fears and plight,

Guiding me through the nights, with newfound courage, bright.

With resolve, I rise again, shedding past pain and stain,

From the ashes, I refrain from succumbing to the bane.

Renewed, with vigor found, I stand on solid ground,

In my soul’s depths, profound, a resilient spirit is crowned.

Photo by Caleb Ekeroth on Unsplash

The journey’s scars, etched deep, are lessons that I keep,

Reminders of the steep climbs, the valleys oh so bleak.

Yet, here I stand, revived, from trials, I’ve derived.

Strength, from woes survived, in triumph, I’ve arrived.

For every tear that’s shed, for each night filled with dread,

There’s a brighter path ahead, where hope and dreams are wed.

I rise, a phoenix free, from despair’s dark decree,

Embracing life’s decree, to be all I can be.

Photo by Harnoor dhaliwal on Unsplash

So when days are grim and dire, and I’m walking through the fire,

I’ll remember my inner spire, rising ever higher.

With each fall, I’ll rise, more wise, and fiercely apprise,

That within me lies the prize of tomorrow’s bright sunrise.

In every beaten, failed state, when I’m feeling far from great,

I’ll recall my power innate, to change my destined fate.

For in my heart, I know, no matter how low I bow,

I possess the glow, to rise, to conquer, to endow.

Photo by Rahul Dey on Unsplash

From Golden Gate Grandeur to Pier 39 Playfulness

My Travelogue

Engineering Marvels and Marine Delights: A San Francisco Journey

My trip to San Francisco was an absolute blast!

From Majestic Spans to Playful Clans – Discovering San Francisco’s Charms

Author at Golden Gate Bridge, San Fran

First up, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wow, just wow.

Seeing it in person is a whole different ball game compared to the pictures.

That iconic International Orange color popping against the blue sky is something else.

From far — the iconic bridge

Walking across it, I was in awe of not just the view but the sheer scale of it all.

You really get why it’s such a big deal — the history, the architecture, it all hits you at once.

And those views? Unreal! I could see Alcatraz, the city skyline, the whole bay area laid out in front of me.

It’s not just a bridge; it’s a masterpiece that tells a story.

Pier 39 — San Francisco

Now, onto the seals at Pier 39.

They’re hilarious!

Just lounging around, barking, and playing without a care in the world.

It’s such a quirky and fun part of San Francisco that you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of a bustling city.

Learning about their conservation success story was pretty cool too.

It’s amazing how they’ve become such stars, drawing crowds every day.

And the best part? It’s totally free.

You just show up, hang out, and enjoy the show.

The seals of Pier 39

Both spots are just dripping with that San Francisco charm.

The bridge gives you this grand, historic vibe, while the seals add a laid-back, playful touch.

It’s like getting a taste of two very different sides of the city, and I loved every bit of it.

If you’re ever in San Fran, these are the must-visit spots, hands down.

They’re not just tourist attractions; they’re experiences that stick with you.

Check out my other posts regarding my travelogue:

View at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.com

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