The following are news announcements made during the past week:
PRESS RELEASE:
Ericsson Launches Network Services for Massive IoT, Builds End-to-End NB-IoT System for Chunghwa Telecom
As the first commercial Internet of Things (IoT) networks are being introduced, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) complements its cellular IoT software and IoT Accelerator offerings with a complete set of network services. These services enable service providers to efficiently address the deployment and operation of the massive number of IoT devices being introduced to LTE networks.
Applicable for Cat-M1 (also called LTE-M) and Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) technologies, these services include IoT network design and optimization, deployment, operation and management, and are supported by the recently expanded Support Services offering.
Peter Laurin, Head of Business Area Managed Services, Ericsson, says: “We anticipate IoT devices will surpass mobile phones as the largest category of connected devices as early as 2018 and, according to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, there will be 18 billion connected IoT devices in 2022. This massive uptake requires a different approach to network planning, design, operations and capabilities than traditional mobile broadband networks.”
Ericsson is also introducing new IoT software features, such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support for Cat-M1. This will enable operators to explore new use cases in which it can be advantageous for IoT devices to support voice services, opening up opportunities to expand enterprise services to areas such as security alarm panels, remote first-aid kits, wearables, digital locks, disposable security garments, and other types of IoT-enabled applications and services.
Network design and optimization: Heterogeneous IoT networks and diverse use cases with varying needs will require a different approach to network planning and design. To support this, Ericsson is introducing scenario assessment, network modelling, design development, and developmental appraisal for massive IoT networks.
Operation and management of network: To address the need for an adapted approach to management and operation of operators’ networks, Ericsson is introducing automated machine learning to its Network Operations Centers (NOCs). These tools will help operators to manage delivery cost and take a proactive approach to event and incident management. In a trial, 80% of all incidents were identified by machine learning only with no human intervention – and the root cause was identified correctly in 77% of cases.
Jamie Moss, Principal Analyst, Consumer Technology and IoT at Ovum, says: “Operators need partners that can help them to introduce new technologies smoothly and quickly. This is especially true in the case of LTE-M and NB-IoT. As enhancements to LTE, they appear to represent the operators’ core competency. But LTE-M and NB-IoT will be used, and will be required to perform, in ways that are completely new. Their rollout, the handling of the traffic they generate and the management of the services they exist to enable require network services that offer a comprehensive portfolio of abilities. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are not just buzzwords, but are vital and exciting tools being employed by Ericsson for use within a network to help operators manage the many new devices they will need to serve in the future.”
The Ericsson network services and VoLTE for IoT software support in radio and core networks are commercially available now.
In addition, the company will build a NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) system for Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest integrated telecommunications services company, enabling the island to take its first steps toward joining the Internet of Things. Chunghwa Telecom will use the system to trial a range of IoT devices and applications in its laboratory.
NB-IoT is a 3GPP standards-based Low Power Wide Area technology that offers significant improvements in areas such as deep indoor coverage, power consumption, device complexity, system capacity and spectrum efficiency.
The end-to-end NB-IoT solution developed for Chunghwa Telecom will comprise a range of Ericsson offerings including the Ericsson Radio System, Massive IoT radio access network (RAN) software, virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC), virtual Subscriber Data Management (vSDM), and the IoT Smart Device and Application service on the AppIoT platform. The vEPC is deployed as a dedicated IoT Packet Core, using network slicing functionality, enabling Chunghwa Telecom to explore massive machine type communications use cases and rapidly bring new services to market.
Chen Shyang-Yih, Executive Vice President of Chunghwa Telecom and President of Telecommunication Laboratories, says: “Ericsson has long been our leading network provider and has demonstrated the strong device life-cycle management and integration capabilities that are required for a system of this type. NB-IoT technology is one of our primary focuses in 2017, and we are keen to explore more opportunities based on the new technology.”
Håkan Cervell, President of Ericsson Taiwan, says: “This agreement represents a real milestone for both companies, and shows that we have made rapid progress since signing a 5G memorandum of understanding during Mobile World Congress 2017. Together we will identify 5G use cases and applications for the digital transformation of industry verticals such as transportation and utilities.”
PRESS RELEASE:
Oomi Smart Home System Announces New Integrations, Public Availability
Oomi, a smart home system awarded for its simplicity and innovative design, is now available to the public through Oomi.com. Oomi can be connected with Amazon Alexa, Phillips Hue, and Nest products, in addition to any Oomi or Z-wave devices such as Schlage door locks. This is the first time that Oomi will be available for customers to purchase directly.
The Oomi system allows for wireless control and automation of home lighting, entertainment, security and more. It provides superior in-home control and monitoring right from Oomi Touch, the dedicated touchscreen super remote, and remote access and control while away from the home with the Oomi App.
Oomi’s patent pending technology allows for effortless setup and configuration. Tap-and-Touch, which utilizes the Near Field Communication technology only recently adopted by other popular tech products and smart home systems, provides instant pairing of all Oomi devices and has been a cornerstone of the system since it debuted in 2015. Beyond compatibility with hundreds of Z-wave devices, additional integrations with popular connected home devices like Philips Hue, Nest thermostat, and Amazon Alexa make Oomi easy to integrate into any IoT home.
“We’re happy to bring a smart home system to the market that creates new possibilities for all consumers, regardless if they’re looking to expand from their first smart device or just getting their feet wet,” says Colin Marshall, vice president of Fantem. “Oomi revolutionizes the approach to smart home systems, allowing them to become a more prevalent part of the average consumer’s life.”
The Oomi Home kit, featuring a completely new and user-friendly interface, includes the Oomi Cube with magnetic lens cover for the built-in camera, Oomi Touch, Infinity Dock, two Oomi Bulbs, and an Oomi Plug. Consumers have the option to select between several different plug and bulb types depending on their country. The entire kit retails for $699.
Additional accessories available at Oomi.com are Oomi Air, Oomi ColorStrip, Oomi MultiSensor, Oomi Door and Window Sensor, and Oomi Range Extender. Products coming soon include Oomi Water Sensor, Oomi Siren. Oomi Mote, and Oomi Cam. Additionally, anyone who pre-ordered the Oomi product through the record setting Indiegogo campaign will be able to easily update their device to the new interface.
The product is currently available at Oomi.com, and will be available on Amazon and other retailers such as Dell.com later this year. To learn more, visit Oomi.com.
PRESS RELEASE:
PTC, Tech Mahindra Open IIoT Center of Excellence in India
PTC (NASDAQ:PTC) and Tech Mahindra (NSE:TECHM) today announced the opening of an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) Center of Excellence at Tech Mahindra’s headquarters in Bangalore, India. The facility is designed to showcase the technology that companies can utilize for digital transformations – from product design through IoT connectivity and augmented reality. Tech Mahindra is outfitting the facility with offerings from the PTC technology portfolio, including the ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform. Tech Mahindra, a longstanding PTC partner and leading system integrator, will advise customers on how ThingWorx and other PTC technology can enable them to generate business value.
The Center of Excellence was conceived and jointly developed by Tech Mahindra and PTC. Tech Mahindra chose to partner with PTC as the primary technology provider because of the breadth of the ThingWorx platform and the longstanding success of PTC solution offerings, including computer-aided design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM). As a system integrator partner with PTC, Tech Mahindra is trained to both develop solutions and implement solutions based on PTC technology. While located in India, the facility is expected to draw a global customer base.
As the facility evolves, Tech Mahindra and PTC also plan to use ThingWorx to develop vertical-specific solutions to address mutual customers’ needs and challenges.
“Companies continue to invest significant resources in transforming their businesses, and it’s important for them to have clear direction for their journey and the right technology to utilize,” said Catherine Kniker, chief revenue officer, Platform Business, PTC. “We are pleased to partner with Tech Mahindra for this IoT Center of Excellence, to demonstrate how ThingWorx and other PTC technology can empower a broad and diverse customer base to accelerate their transformations and achieve value faster.”
“The new Center of Excellence in India is an excellent place to showcase the transformation we are enabling customers to create with the ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform from PTC,” said Karthikeyan Natarajan, Global Head – Engineering, IoT and Enterprise Mobility, Tech Mahindra. “The technology offerings from PTC, including the ThingWorx platform, represent some of the leading solutions available. The facility will demonstrate how we are using IoT and its immense potential to enable customers to transform their business. We are delighted to work with PTC for the CoE and show our customers how quickly and easily they can tap into the potential of the Industrial IoT.”
PTC is unlocking the value at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. With PTC’s leading ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform, augmented reality development capabilities, and a portfolio of connected solutions, PTC is enabling companies to improve the way that they design, manufacture, sell, operate, and service their products.
Tech Mahindra represents the connected world, offering innovative and customer-centric information technology experiences, enabling Enterprises, Associates, and the Society to Rise.
PRESS RELEASE:
Bosch Unveils IoT-Ready Environmental Sensor
Bosch Sensortec’s environmental sensor BME680 provides highly accurate measurement of indoor air quality, barometric pressure, relative humidity and ambient air temperature. It is housed in a robust yet compact 3.0 x 3.0 mm² package making it ideal for both mobile and stationary applications.
Since its initial launch, the BME680 has proven to be a very popular sensor module with OEMs; and has already been installed in several products now sold in the market. Consumer electronic products utilizing the BME680 include Bosch Smart Home Twinguard, a smart smoke detector with an indoor air quality sensor and the i-BLADES Smartcase, a modular phone case that as one of its features turns your smartphone into a portable indoor air quality monitor.
The BME680 is both stable and robust, and having undergone long-term qualification and field testing, it provides an extended lifetime of reliable operation. The design and manufacturing of the sensor is based on proven expertise in heater technology derived from Bosch automotive products.
With all four sensors housed in a single package, the BME680 is specifically designed to provide the accurate, detailed real-world data outputs required for many of today’s and future Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These include smart homes, smart offices and buildings, smart energy, smart transportation, HVAC, elderly care and sport/fitness applications. It is also well-suited to mobile and stationary applications such as indoor air quality measurement, personal weather stations, indoor navigation and fitness monitoring.
“Building on Bosch’s decades of experience, the strong customer response to the BME680 has confirmed its value, already winning multiple OEM design-ins in several mobile and IoT applications,” says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. “In response to this success, we feel that it is high time for this IoT-ready and versatile product to go mainstream through the distribution channel.”
The BME680 delivers outstanding environmental measurement performance enabled by internal compensation algorithms and precise factory calibration of its gas, pressure, temperature and humidity sensors. The gas sensor can detect Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen, in the part per billion (ppb) range.
The BME680’s pressure measurement accuracy of ±12 Pa provides precise altitude information of ±1 m, making it ideally suited for applications such as indoor navigation with floor level tracking. Additionally, the BME680 offers best-in-class response time for measurement of relative humidity and ambient temperature, as well as an offset temperature coefficient of only 1.5 Pa/K.
The BME680 will be available via Bosch Sensortec’s distributors starting from July 17, 2017. The BSEC (Bosch Software Environmental Cluster) software is available for download on the Bosch Sensortec website.
PRESS RELEASE:
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Teams Up With HP Enterprise on New Stadium Using IoT Technology
English football club Tottenham Hotspur today announced that it has selected Hewlett Packard Enterprise as its official IT networking and wireless infrastructure partner. As part of the agreement, HPE will work closely with the club to incorporate mobility and Internet of Things solutions into its new stadium, and to transform the in-venue experience for all visitors. The club is currently building a new stadium in London. Set to open in 2018, it will be one of the most technologically advanced stadia ever built, the company reports.
The new venue will be the largest football club stadium in London, with a capacity of 61,559, and will host other major sport and entertainment events as well, such as NFL games and concerts. Since planning for the new stadium began, the club has been driving innovation and using modern technology to enhance the in-venue experience for visitors. As a result, the firm reports, the stadium’s IT infrastructure is being incorporated from the ground up, enabling connectivity across the entire venue for visitors, as well as flexibility to cater to future demands. The club is installing HPE intelligent edge solutions in networking, with support from HPE’s Pointnext services organization, to meet its current and future technology demands.
“Creating a technology infrastructure to support an enhanced visitor experience requires solutions that can meet the growing demands of visitors that come to our new stadium,” said Sanjeev Katwa, Tottenham Hotspur’s head of technology, in a prepared statement. “We believe Hewlett Packard Enterprise can support us on the journey in building one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.”
Marc Waters, HPE’s managing director for the United Kingdom and Ireland, added in the statement: “Tottenham Hotspur realize that being digital from the ground up is imperative to transform its fan experience. We are thrilled to support Tottenham Hotspur in this journey, using our intelligent edge solutions and Pointnext expertise to help build the foundation for a truly digital stadium. Our partnership with the Club will help enable future innovation and the ability to provide an enriched, unique environment for stadium visitors.”
PRESS RELEASE:
Silicon Labs Unveils Software, Hardware Supporting New Bluetooth Mesh Specification
To help developers simplify the design of mesh-networked devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) and get to market faster,Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) introduced a comprehensive suite of software and hardware that supports the new Bluetooth® mesh specification. The newBluetooth mesh solution benefits from the company’s proven mesh networking expertise and includes development tools, a software stack, and mobile apps supporting Silicon Labs’ wireless system-on-chip (SoC) devices and certified modules. The combination of Silicon Labs’ patented network analysis tools and Bluetooth mesh stack for smartphones enables IoT developers to cut time to market by up to six months when compared to existing wireless development tools and techniques.
Bluetooth mesh devices are ideal for smart home, lighting, beaconing and asset tracking applications. A mesh network enables devices, such as connected lights, to be deployed at greater distances from a hub or gateway. As each light is deployed, the communication range increases, allowing a single gateway to cover an area larger than one that is simply covered by a star network topology. In retail marketing and asset tracking applications, Bluetooth mesh technology simplifies the deployment and management of beacons. By combining Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) with mesh networking, new capabilities and value can be introduced into devices such as connected lights which can also serve as beacons or beacon scanners.
“Bluetooth is the next frontier in mesh networking, and Silicon Labs’ new Bluetooth mesh software and tools keep us at the forefront of this rapidly emerging ‘many-to-many’ network topology,” said Richard Baxter, President and CEO of Mesh Systems, an IoT software, services and solution provider. “From easy-to-use development kits to mobile applications that help us connect devices seamlessly, we rely on Silicon Labs’ deep expertise in mesh technology to give us the hardware and software resources we need to increase productivity and speed development time so our customers can better compete in today’s IoT race.”
Silicon Labs’ new Bluetooth mesh solution includes a comprehensive suite of development tools and wireless devices to take IoT designs from concept to reality quickly and easily. Using Silicon Labs’ solution, designers can:
Accelerate time to market: Choose from a variety of Silicon Labs’ certified wireless modules and SoCs, including the world’s smallest Bluetooth system-in-package (SiP) module (BGM11S) and the latest EFR32BG13 Blue Gecko SoCs. Modules with integrated antennas provide a fast, cost-effective means to design Bluetooth mesh-enabled products. Blue Gecko SoCs offer large memory options to support over-the-air (OTA) updates, as well as advanced features such as hardware security acceleration, capacitive sensing, low-power sensor interfaces and enhanced RF performance.
Simplify development: Silicon Labs’ mobile application for smartphones allows designers to verify the operation of Bluetooth mesh-based implementations with a commercially supported Bluetooth mesh library and source code to streamline design.
Be more productive: Optimize mesh networking device designs with Silicon Labs’ Simplicity Studio software tools including patented network analysis and packet trace technology, energy profiling and visual application configuration. Software compatibility across Silicon Labs’ portfolio of wireless SoCs and modules enables broad software reuse and reduced development time and cost.
Silicon Labs is the leading supplier of silicon and software for mesh networking applications. The company has shipped more than 100 million mesh networking SoCs and modules to date and has more than 15 years of experience in developing standards-based mesh networking solutions for customers worldwide. Silicon Labs is a leader in Bluetooth innovation, delivering ultra-small Bluetooth SiP modules, multiprotocol SoCs that support Bluetooth commissioning, and software tools and stacks to simplify Bluetooth development.
“We expect to see a wave of new devices hit the market quickly by leveraging ubiquitous Bluetooth connectivity to create hub-less mesh networks that extend the range and reliability of Bluetooth systems,” said Daniel Cooley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IoT products at Silicon Labs. “No matter which mesh technology developers choose to power their next IoT designs, we offer a complete portfolio of silicon, software and solutions that gives device makers everything they need to accelerate time to market while designing secure, robust mesh networks.”
PRESS RELEASE:
SURE Universal Offers Software-Defined IoT Platform Based on Open Connectivity Foundation Standard
SURE Universal Ltd. introduces the Software-Defined IoT (SD-IoTTM) platform as the next-generation software solution for digital media, Smart Home, and IoT. At MWC Shanghai in July 2017, SURE Universal demonstrated an Android based Set-Top Box (STB) that includes both Smart TV and IoT gateway functionality based on OCF protocol.
With the introduction of the IoT gateway, SURE achieves a complete SD-IoT solution including the smartphone universal remote client, cloud platform for communications data, and micro-controller software for smart appliances. The SURE SD-IoT platform enables any manufacturer to turn their legacy appliances into smart appliances that are compliant with the OCF standard and therefore interoperable with other Smart Home products.
“The combination of the complete software-defined IoT solution by SURE Universal and open source protocol by OCF promises a future prospect of inexpensive off-the-shelf IoT products with incredible interoperability,” said Viktor Ariel, CEO and co-founder of SURE Universal, “with the new SD-IoT platform, SURE Universal solidifies its position as a technology leader at the forefront of this exciting new collaboration among the top hardware and appliance manufacturers in the world.”
The novel solution is based on the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) protocol, which is the leading open-source standard for IoT vendors to allow their appliances and smart devices to work seamlessly together, regardless of brand. OCF originated in 2017 from a merger of three different IoT standards developed separately by Microsoft, Samsung, and Qualcomm. Currently, OCF has close to 500 members including most leading appliance vendors in the world. SURE Universal delivered the first software solution to receive OCF mobile client certification.
The consumer part of the solution is the award winning SURE Universal Remote app for digital media and legacy infra-red appliances. It is available for Android and iOS smartphones and has millions of active users. The latest version of SURE Universal Remote for Android announced at MWC Shanghai, features Amazon Alexa voice assistant integration. Future versions of SURE Universal Remote will also include support for Google Voice and Apple Siri, making SURE Universal Remote the only smartphone application needed to control any connected device with voice commands.
The SURE Software-Defined IoT separates the control layer from the underlying hardware. So now, industry players including smart appliance vendors, STB manufacturers, and Multiple-System Operators (MSOs) can provide compelling IoT systems using inexpensive off-the-shelf devices from multiple vendors, and be assured of their interoperability. They will no longer be dependent on a single supplier for smart devices, and still will be able to provide their customers with a coherent, universal, and simple user experience.
Currently, SURE Universal is integrating the SD-IoT technology with some of the biggest appliance manufacturers in the world to assist them with implementation of the OCF protocol and to achieve interoperability with other IoT vendors. The appliance vendors benefit from fast time-to-market because of the proven SURE Universal technology. In addition, the SURE SD-IoT solution is future-proof because of its compliance with the OCF standard.