Shortly after the launch of mobile applications with the iPhone and Android, developers discovered the benefits of using inexpensive HTTP and JSON APIs in their devices. This led to the integration of these affordable APIs in everyday appliances like thermostats and lighting systems, allowing them to send and receive data, receive updates, and perform various functions.
HTTP provides a cost-effective means to access the necessary data and resources for these devices. While there are other protocols, such as MQTT, that can handle specific network constraints and data requirements, HTTP and JSON remain popular among device manufacturers. They have become the standard for how everyday objects communicate with the cloud.