A new development kit launched by LoRa Alliance members Libelium and Loriot promises faster LoRa-based IoT app prototyping and testing.
Semtech announced the availability of a new development kit delivered by LoRa Alliance members Libelium and Loriot, which will enable faster LoRa-based IoT app prototyping and testing. The kit includes a gateway and ten sensor devices, integrating Semtech’s LoRa technology, an application software and a connection to Loriot’s cloud-based LoRaWan network.
The kit, available in North American (915 MHz) and European (868 MHz) frequencies, is optimized for smart city, smart security, smart environment and smart agriculture applications, according to Semtech. “Developing IoT applications typically involves setting up a network and testing the various hardware components and software to ensure everything operates correctly,” said Javier Martínez, vice president of business development and sales at Libelium. “With our kit, customers do not have to spend time configuring and testing a network, because we are able to provide them with a LoRaWAN network connection that has already been tested and set up to run seamlessly with the kit components and software,” he added.
Commenting on the announcement, Mike Wong, vice president of marketing and applications for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Product Group said: “The collaboration between Libelium and Loriot to produce a comprehensive IoT development environment that is easy to use is an excellent example of how companies in the LoRa Alliance are working together to deliver complete solutions to IoT customers. Such collaboration also shows the value of the open LoRaWAN specification as it continues to bring hardware, software and networking companies together to drive innovative solutions for the IoT market.”
The LoRa Alliance has 300 members today and LoRaWAN public and private networks have been rolled out in more than 50 countries worldwide, according to Semtech’s announcement.
Overall, the Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) market is set for explosive growth and toughening competition, in particular between Sigfox, Ingenu and backers of LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. According to Metering and Smart Energy International, global LPWAN market revenue will reach $24.46 billion by 2021, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 89.3 percent between 2016 and 2021. In 2016, global LPWAN market revenue is estimated to reach $1.01 billion.
IIoT News Recap: IFTTT enables direct integration in third-party apps; Aclara acquires Tollgrade’s smart grid business; U.K. university receives EU grant to research smart cities; Today’s forecast: The health and wellness wearables market
Smart home: IFTTT enables direct integration in third-party app
Rules engine platform IFTTT now enables native IFTTT integration in third-party applications. “Our partner platform and the power to embed IFTTT experiences is just the beginning of the value we can unlock for both developers and users. The rich experiences that partners can build with IFTTT are only going to get more exciting from here,” said Linden Tibbets, CEO of IFTTT. Integration is already live with the following applications: Abode, Awair, BloomSky, Foobot, Garageio, LIFX, Qapital, Roger, Skybell, and Stack Lighting.
Smart grid: Aclara acquires Tollgrade’s smart grid business
U.S.-based smart infrastructure technology provider Aclara has acquired the smart grid business of Tollgrade Communications. The acquisition follows that of GE’s electricity meters business in December 2015. “This acquisition represents an important step forward for Aclara as a leader in smart infrastructure, and the addition of LightHouse’s game-changing platform allows Aclara to provide utilities with an economical alternative to other systems,” said Allan Connolly, president and CEO of Aclara. “It also expands the market potential for the Smart Grid products in the electric utility industry by combining Tollgrade’s strong, established relationships in the investor owned utility (IOU) market with Aclara’s leadership in the cooperative and municipal electric markets,” he added.
Smart city: U.K. university receives EU grant to research smart cities
The University of Surrey received a €762,000 ($850,000) grant from the European Union (EU), as part of the EU’s ‘Horizon 2020’ project, to conduct research into the development of smart cities and the environmental impact of a cleaner aeronautics industry, Edie reports. The project will run for three years and cover six European cities.
Today’s forecast: Health and wellness wearables market to reach $612.0 billion by 2024
The global market for connected health and wellness devices will reach $612.0 billion by 2024, according to a new forecast by Grand View Research. “The demand for wearable medical devices and remote patient monitoring systems is anticipated to increase over the forecast period due to the shifting consumer preferences towards a healthier lifestyle thus driving the market growth in the coming years,” said Grand View Research.
