• Vision AppKit utilizes the Alif Semiconductor Ensemble® MCU family of industry-leading Edge ML MCUs and Telit Cinterion’s power-efficient LTE-M and low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® wireless technology modules
• Ultra-compact camera design can perform on-device AI use cases like face and object detection, image classification, and more at a significantly lower power consumption than previously possible for these use cases

Telit Cinterion, an end-to-end IoT solutions enabler, and Alif Semiconductor, a supplier of the most secure, power-efficient Edge AI-enabled MCUs and fusion processors in the market, today announced the Vision AppKit — the world’s smartest and most efficient connected camera reference design.

The Vision AppKit combines Telit Cinterion’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology or LTE-M communication modules in an ultra-compact camera design together with Alif Semiconductor’s Ensemble E3 series MCU, capable of performing on-device AI use-cases like face and object detection, image classification, and more at significantly lower power consumption than previously possible.

The Vision AppKit is a reference design for ultra-low power, small form factor AI-enabled camera that can capture images and/or video, perform AI-based processing in real-time on captured data, and deliver the results wirelessly to a display or other external system. Alif’s E3 Series MCU — known for its EdgeAI capabilities in battery-operated IoT devices — powers this groundbreaking design. Telit Cinterion supports communication in the Vision AppKit with the ME310 LTE Cat-M and WE310 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 modules.

The Alif Ensemble E3 series features a distinct High-Efficiency MCU core and a separate High-Performance MCU core, along with microNPUs that can be promptly enabled when a device needs additional AI/ML compute performance, to keep the overall system power footprint as low as possible. Alif Semiconductor’s aiPM technology dynamically powers only the logic that is in use at any given time thus achieving the lowest overall system power consumption. This combination delivers a performance uplift of at least two orders of magnitude compared to traditional 32-bit MCUs at a power consumption that is two orders of magnitude lower, drastically reducing inference times for AI camera vision-based tasks like object detection, face recognition, and image classification.

Reza Kazerounian, Co-Founder and President at Alif Semiconductor, said:

“The Vision AppKit AI camera reference design incorporates highly efficient processing capability to deliver small form factor camera solutions for object detection and image classification in a secure way.”

“This technology enables battery-operated cameras to perform computations previously only possible in the cloud.”

The ME310 empowers enterprises to implement novel, compact designs across a diverse range of applications, such as asset tracking, healthcare monitoring, smart metering, portable devices, industrial sensors, home automation, and more. This module facilitates enhanced power efficiency in IoT applications through Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), catering to devices requiring optimization in cost, size, and power consumption. Additionally, the WE310 is a fully integrated module combining single-band Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE5). It offers a cost-effective and high-speed wireless connection to an embedded microcontroller via UART, SPI, and SDIO interfaces.

“Integrating Alif’s cutting-edge edge AI technology with Telit Cinterion’s industry-leading secure modules opens the path to a new category of intelligent, compact, ultra-low power, and cost-efficient IoT devices,” said Manish Watwani, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Telit Cinterion. “This integrated design reduces adoption barriers and guarantees optimal AI and communication performance.”

The post Telit Cinterion and Alif Semiconductor Unveil the Vision AppKit: A Postage Stamp-Sized, Intelligent Connected Camera Platform appeared first on IoT Business News.

• Telit Cinterion’s new end-to-end, turnkey IoT solution will feature 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT-over-NTN compliant modules with hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity services
• New partnership will provide transportation, logistics, agriculture, mining and other verticals with seamless, ubiquitous connectivity based on floLIVE’s global cellular infrastructure, which acts as the backbone to worldwide connectivity and is complemented by Skylo’s satellite service — even in remote areas

Telit Cinterion, an end-to-end IoT solutions enabler, today announced a solution featuring cellular and satellite connectivity services on its ME910G1 and ME310G1 modules.

In partnership with floLIVE and Skylo Technologies, the new solution ensures that mobile assets — shipping containers, agricultural equipment, trucks, and other high-value assets — are continually trackable and monitored anywhere on earth, from cities and rural highways to deserts and oceans.

The new Telit Cinterion solution is ideal for enterprises in transportation, logistics, construction, mining, agriculture and other verticals whose mission- and business-critical applications require guaranteed global connectivity with their mobile assets. The solution will provide OEMs, system integrators, and enterprises with a turnkey, end-to-end suite featuring:

• Telit Cinterion cellular LPWA module that is fully compliant with the new 3GPP R17 NB-IoT over non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard. This will enable satellite data communication using the NB-IoT protocol — without any special hardware changes required for the integration of the cellular module in the customer application.
• Telit Cinterion cellular and satellite data service plans, as well as a connectivity management portal. This drastically simplifies access to global connectivity with unique, centralized support and an advanced monitoring platform for full control of device fleets.
• Satellite connectivity services from Skylo — a direct-to-device Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) operator focused on connecting anything, anywhere — in conjunction with floLIVE — the creator and owner of the world’s first and largest hyperlocal global network and a leading IoT connectivity enabler.

The Telit Cinterion ME910G1 module is currently under certification and approval by Skylo, making it one of the first modules that will be commercially available for customers globally. The solution will debut in Europe and North America following the launch of the floLIVE-Skylo service in 2024.

“The ability to leverage local cellular connectivity across the globe in tandem with satellite connectivity truly opens the globe to IoT and digital transformation,” said Chen Porat, floLIVE SVP of Sales, APAC and Africa. “floLIVE offers MNOs and IoT MVNOs with a global hyperlocal infrastructure that becomes the backbone to anywhere, ‘always-on’ connectivity. This expansion into the NTN domain signifies our dedication to supporting our partners through continuous growth in carrier relations, global presence, and service offerings.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Telit Cinterion, a recognized leader in the IoT industry. This collaboration will enable us to leverage Telit Cinterion’s expertise in cellular connectivity to expand the reach and capabilities of standards-based NB-IoT-over-NTN with the Skylo solutions,” said Sriram Subramanian, Director of Product Management at Skylo. “Together, we will empower businesses across industries to unlock the true potential of connected devices and drive digital transformation on a global scale.”

“Transportation companies, logistics providers and mine operators are just three examples of enterprises that need to monitor their high-value mobile assets anywhere and everywhere on earth,” said Manish Watwani, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Telit Cinterion.

“Our strategic partnership with Skylo and floLIVE meets that need by providing the world’s first turnkey package of hardware and seamless, ubiquitous, global connectivity that leverages the best of cellular and satellite — all based on the new 3GPP R17 NB-IoT over NTN standard.”

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Amid waning demand, cellular IoT module market faces another challenging quarter in Q3 2023, according to Counterpoint Research.

• Despite a decline in shipments, Quectel continued to lead, followed by Fibocom and China Mobile.
• The top five applications – smart meter, automotive, POS, router/CPE and telematics – accounted for over 60% of total cellular IoT module shipments.
• Against the backdrop of muted demand, full-year shipments for 2023 are expected to decline by 5%.

Global cellular IoT module shipments saw a 2% YoY decline in Q3 2023, according to Counterpoint’s latest Global Cellular IoT Module and Chipset Tracker by Application report.

Weaker demand, rising interest rates and cautious spending from enterprise IoT players are some of the important factors for slowdown in this market.

For the first time, the 5G market’s share in the global cellular IoT module market crossed 5%, indicating traction for 5G adoption. However, 5G applications are currently limited due to the lack of killer use cases and higher prices. We are only witnessing early adoption in the router/CPE, PC and automotive markets.

The IoT module market is undergoing a technology transition from 4G Cat 1 and NB-IoT to 4G Cat 1 bis. The low-cost and power-efficient 4G Cat 1 bis is becoming popular for many applications, including POS, smart meter, telematics and asset tracking.

Commenting on the market dynamics, Associate Director Mohit Agrawal said, “The top five applications, encompassing smart meter, automotive, POS, router/CPE and telematics, accounted for over 60% of total cellular IoT module shipments this quarter. Notably, only the smart meter and router/CPE segments observed positive growth in shipments, with other applications experiencing a decline.

India stands out as the only region to register positive growth in the global cellular IoT module market. Conversely, the market outside of China and India saw a steeper decline compared to China. Contrary to industry expectations, the market is not gaining momentum.”

• Quectel, the market leader, and Telit Cinterion, one of the leading international vendors, experienced a decline in shipments. This trend mirrors the prevailing conditions in both the Chinese and global IoT module markets. However, Quectel showed a slight improvement in performance in the global market on a sequential basis.
• In contrast, the other two vendors in the top five – China Mobile and Fibocom – saw positive growth. This growth was driven by smart meter, asset tracker and POS for China Mobile and router/CPE applications for Fibocom. China Mobile recently established a subsidiary, BILIN’ZHILIAN, to accelerate its module business growth.
• Certain Chinese brands such as Unionman, OpenLuat and Lierda exhibited positive performance from a niche perspective. Their growth was fuelled by applications in smart meters, asset tracking and POS.

Commenting on the future outlook, Senior Research Analyst Soumen Mandal said, “Global cellular IoT module shipments are projected to experience a 5% YoY decline in 2023. However, demand revival is expected by the second half of 2024, with substantial growth predicted for 2025, coinciding with the mass adoption of 5G and 5G RedCap.”

“In the long term, the cellular IoT module market holds promise and applications such as smart meter, router/CPE, POS, automotive and asset tracking will be driving most of the growth for this market.”

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• Hyundai Motor and Kia will link Samsung’s ‘SmartThings’ IoT (Internet of Things) platform to their connected car services
• The three companies aim to break the boundaries between living spaces and mobility spaces, enhancing the time value of driving before, during and after
• Customers can also experience seamless connectivity with OTA and USB-based updates

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced that they have signed an agreement on January 3 with Samsung Electronics for a Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car service partnership, aiming to enhance the connectivity between residential and mobility spaces.

Under this agreement, Hyundai and Kia customers will be able to remotely control digital appliances via touch and voice commands through their cars’ in-car infotainment systems. Conversely, they will have remote vehicle control via AI speakers, TVs and smartphone apps to control various vehicle functions.

This is made possible through the organic integration of Hyundai and Kia’s connected car services and Samsung’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform, ‘SmartThings’. Customers are expected to use it in various ways in their daily lives, enjoying uninterrupted connectivity experiences.

For example, on a hot summer evening commute, the user can activate the ‘Home Mode’ to turn on the registered air conditioner and air purifier, start the robot vacuum, and turn on the lights for a comfortable and pleasant living space. Alternatively, before going out, the user can initiate the ‘Away Mode’ to turn off unnecessary lights and start the robot vacuum to create a clean living space to return to, as well as pre-activate the vehicle’s air conditioning to a comfortable temperature.

In the case of Hyundai and Kia’s Car-to-Home service, users can register and use specific modes for each situation to minimize device operation while driving. In particular, location-based automatic operation, in addition to touchscreen and voice commands, will be implemented to provide more convenient service to customers.

In addition, electric vehicle owners can use SmartThings’ integrated home energy management service to check the energy usage of their home and vehicle and adjust the optimal charging times.

Hyundai and Kia plan to expand their Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services to overseas customers by linking the connected car platforms and Samsung SmartThings.

To achieve this, Hyundai and Kia will develop stable service-providing infotainment systems, and subsequently provide these features through over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates even for existing vehicles.

“This is an opportunity to make the connected car’s Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields,” said Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center. “We plan to accelerate our technology development to continuously make global Hyundai and Kia customers’ journeys meaningful.”

“This collaboration will enable communication from Home-to-Car and integrated home energy management services that are optimized for future lifestyles,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics.

“By connecting the SmartThings platform with vehicles, we’ll be able to significantly enhance the customer experience in both the home and the car.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia have already been providing Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services through collaborations with telecommunication companies and construction companies. The Car-to-Home service — previously available for six items, including lighting, plugs, gas shut-off valves, ventilation, air conditioning and boilers — and the Home-to-Car service for vehicle air conditioning, remote start and charging management will be expanded to support connections with a wider range of devices through this partnership.

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Kigen and TEAL unveil a new SGP.32-supported eUICC solution compatible with TEAL cloud platforms for acceleration of global eSIM adoption.

TEAL, the first US-based eSIM platform to be certified by the GSMA, is partnering with Kigen to make available a version of the Kigen eSIM Operating System (OS) with SGP.32-ready features, preloaded with TEAL’s in-house SGP.32 Cloud Platforms (eIM, SM-DS).

This partnership is a game changer supporting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and machine-to-machine (M2M) customers that will soon transition to solutions that support the new eSIM for IoT specification (SGP.32).

“The upcoming SGP.31/32 specification reduces the commercial complexity of switching between eSIM profiles and paves the path for LPWAN devices to leverage standardized RSP at scale,” observes John Canali, Principal Analyst for IoT at Omdia.

“We estimate this will boost global active cellular IoT connections by billions of new connections through 2028, aided by interoperability as companies adopt more adaptable solutions.”

TEAL’s wholly owned and patented eSIM Platform technology connects any device onto any data network worldwide, giving businesses everywhere the flexibility and control to remotely switch between networks over the air. With the GSMA’s consumer eSIM for IoT specification, SGP.32, becoming the go-to deployment model for eSIM, this partnership sets a new standard for the management of IoT at scale.

Kigen eSIM OS combined with TEAL’s SGP.32-cloud platforms prioritizes pragmatic steps to assist TEAL’s customers with the transition to IoT eSIM. The leading choice for energy-efficient devices, Kigen eSIM OS has undergone rigorous testing worldwide for interoperability across cloud platforms and eIM improving reliability and performance. OEMs looking to avoid battery draw for downloads of connectivity profile in-field benefit from the additional capability to embed connectivity profiles with in-factory provisioning before the device ships.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kigen to provide a comprehensive solution melding Kigen’s SGP.32 operating system (OS) and TEAL’s advanced eSIM Platform technology,” said TEAL CEO, Robert Hamblet. “This partnership will enable us to provide our customers with the most forward-thinking eSIM technology available, ensuring the highest level of reliability and performance for any IoT deployment.”

“Kigen is driving the collaboration around the dramatic simplification of IoT expected in the upcoming GSMA SGP.32 standard, and customers at the forefront of innovation need to prepare for this transition.” Kigen CEO, Vincent Korstanje added, “Our partnership with TEAL offers an outstanding combination of cloud and device level stack for eSIM technology at scale.”

This new solution available from Kigen and TEAL will streamline device integration and will facilitate broader eSIM adoption worldwide. Enterprise customers will also benefit from support for iSIM technology as physical eSIMs become a thing of the past.

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2023 was an eventful year in the tech sector, where AI went mainstream with the explosion of language learning models.

As we progress into 2024, the integration and evolution of artificial intelligence in various domains are not just changing; they are set to revolutionise the way we approach design, development, and deployment in these sectors.

With advancements in artificial intelligence accelerating at an unprecedented pace, we stand at the cusp of a new era where AI’s influence extends beyond mere automation to become a cornerstone of innovation and efficiency.

The engineering team at ByteSnap Design has been reflecting on the future of AI in the technology and electronics design industries.

Here is the team’s forecast for the pivotal AI trends likely to emerge during 2024 to redefine industry standards and drive forward a new age of technological excellence.

AI to trigger a battle of the Smart Assistants?

AI assistant tools will continue to be integrated into existing tools to make tasks easier. An example of this happening this year is Zoom’s AI companion which can summarise meetings into notes.

Expect to see development tools such as an IDE integration which can generate GIT commit notes, and release notes automatically during 2024.

We also predict companies will be trying to increase their profits with more monetisation from smart assistants such as Alexa and this will drive techy people towards open source alternatives, such as Home Assistant which run locally.

Rise of the Robotaxi

We anticipate that the first un-geofenced electric Robotaxis will become operational and start accepting paying customers over the coming months.

This is likely to scale steadily over the next few years to replace Uber as the transport medium of choice, providing legal issues can be overcome.

Ultimately, this will make car ownership a questionable decision because travelling this way could be cheaper than running a car.

Apple to enter the Generative AI race

We look forward to Apple unveiling a product to join the AI arms race with their own large language model. Other companies are embracing AI faster and already implementing it; for example, Bard into Google Assistant, and Microsoft’s push for AI in their Office 365 products. Nevertheless, Apple have a stronger than most in-house development philosophy, and it’s hard to see them allowing these products to go unchallenged.

Expect announcements in late 2024 from Apple around its generative AI offering.

Further AI disruption for the Smart Home market

Expect to see more innovation in the smart home market as consumers continue to look for ways to reduce their energy bills, with smart thermostats and TRVs becoming ever more popular. Nest are apparently trying to use AI to help understand consumers behaviour around energy consumption and we anticipate that this trend will continue.

With Apple releasing their Pro Vision headset in 2024, we also expect to see some manufacturers trying to compete with a cheaper product. Apple are excellent at design and are sometimes seen as a trend setter, but in this case are quite late to the party With Meta already well-established leaders. However, Apple have a history of knocking out incumbent leaders so this could be an interesting space to watch.

How much of a consumer appetite there is for this type of technology, however, remains open to question.

AI-enabled Integrated Circuits

We’re likely to see the greater emergence of AI on integrated circuits from companies such as Altered Carbon.

Computer chip manufacturers, Intel, for example, are incorporating AI cores into their CPUs.

AI algorithms in our view are mostly used for detection/categorisation. The classic example is using AI to detect whether an image contains a cat or a dog. However, even the way that the likes of Tesla use AI is similar – detecting images of signs for speed limits, or an image of the lines of the road – but the output is different in that it translates it into braking, accelerating or turning.

One of the projects we’ve worked on at ByteSnap sent accelerometer data into the cloud to detect people falling over. We see a scenario where a fall detector algorithm could be generated by AI and embedded within the sensor device, so that the huge amount of data does not need to be sent, allowing the product to consume less power.

Greater AI in Supply Chain Management

AI-powered forecasting is providing businesses with intelligence to prevent mishaps in the future, overcoming demand-supply mismatches to prevent overstock or understock of inventory.
This minimises costs and improves customer experience. We expect to see more of this across 2024. Additionally, AI-based algorithms are automating goods retrieval from warehouses for smooth order fulfilment, and AI-powered autonomous vehicles are reducing driver costs for delivery.

AI in software and electronics design

Software development and electronics design are both areas that AI vendors are targeting, as developers are expensive and timescales can be long. We can see initially the AI could be best at optimising PCB layouts in the hardware side and writing generic functions within software, albeit with dubious copyright infringement.

The work of translating very abstract requirements into real electronics still seems a very long way off though. This is partly due to lack of freely available models to train against in what is a fast-moving industry and little way for the circuits that are available to be assessed.

In addition, electronic engineering is actually quite a person-centred job; dealing with suppliers, customers, manufacturers, colleagues. Software AI trainers have raided github and ChatGPT was able to train linguistic models against the huge wealth of the World Wide Web.

However, for electronics, it will take another generation of AI development before engineering jobs are threatened.

The post ByteSnap Electronic Industry Predictions for 2024 appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, there were a total of 2,900 private LTE/5G networks deployed across the world at the end of 2023, including trial and pilot deployments.

Private 5G network deployments are moving from trials to commercial operations and amounted to an estimated 700 networks whereof trials accounted for close to half. Until 2028, the number of private LTE/5G network deployments are forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33 percent to reach 11,900 networks at the end of the period. Increasingly, the networks will be deployed into commercial operations faster as there is less need for use case testing. A meaningful number of private LTE network deployments will also be upgraded to 5G, starting in the next 2–3 years.

Berg Insight defines a private cellular network as a 3GPP-based private LTE/5G network built for the sole use of a private entity such as an enterprise or government organisation. Referred to as non-public networks by the 3GPP, private LTE/5G networks use spectrum defined by the 3GPP and LTE or 5G NR base stations, small cells and other radio access network (RAN) infrastructure to transmit voice and data to edge devices.

“The major RAN vendors (Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei) all play significant roles as integrated solution providers and are challenged by a number smaller RAN equipment providers”, said Fredrik Stalbrand, Principal Analyst, Berg Insight.

Nokia counts the largest number of private network deployments with more than 635 private cellular network customers at the end of Q2-2023.

Mr. Stalbrand continued:

“The vendors increasingly pursue channel-led sales strategies, and have developed ecosystems of mobile operators, system integrators, VARs and consulting partners to bring solutions to market.”

A number of small cell and other RAN equipment providers including Airspan Networks, Baicells, CommScope, JMA Wireless, Mavenir, Samsung Networks, Sercomm and ZTE provide competitive LTE/5G radio products and in some cases complete private network offerings.

Important specialised core network software vendors include Druid Software, Athonet (acquired by HPE in June 2023), as well as Affirmed Networks and Metaswitch (both part of Microsoft since mid-2020). In total, EPC/5GC offerings are available from close to 30 vendors. A third category is IT-centric players like Cisco and HPE. These companies focus on delivering fully integrated Wi-Fi and private LTE/5G solutions, enabling network managers to administer Wi-Fi and private LTE/5G networks through a single pane of glass. Celona is a new entrant in the space, backed by NTT Data and Qualcomm, offering its integrated private cellular solution in a single SaaS subscription.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, today announces a collaboration with Syrma SGS Technology Ltd, a leading electronic manufacturing services provider, to facilitate the manufacturing of modules in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative.

The collaboration is designed to leverage both Quectel’s extensive experience in cellular and connectivity modules and Syrma SGS’s innovative and efficient electronic system design and manufacturing skills to manufacture a range of IoT modules in India for customers both in India and globally.

The Make in India initiative was launched in September 2014 as part of a wider set of nation-building initiatives and is designed to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub. With this partnership, Quectel is leveraging India’s ascent as a global leader in electronics manufacturing sector and the strategic choice to establish manufacturing operations in India enables Quectel to broaden its business footprint and explore new models within the country. As India’s technology industry continues to flourish, Quectel is well-equipped to cater to its evolving needs through this partnership.

“By combining Quectel’s cutting-edge technology and Syrma SGS’s expertise in electronics manufacturing, we aim to deliver unparalleled innovation to the market,” commented Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions.

“This synergy reflects our shared commitment to providing top-notch, reliable solutions, and we are excited about the transformative impact this collaboration will have on the industry, enabling us to effectively meet the evolving demands of the Indian and global market.”

Mr. Krishna Pant Co-founder, Syrma SGS said “This collaboration signifies a union of Syrma SGS’s excellence in electronics manufacturing and Quectel’s cutting-edge technology, promising to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and the industry at large.”

The partnership is poised to bring about a positive impact on the electronic manufacturing ecosystem delivering high-quality products and services to clients worldwide, offering customers a broader spectrum of solutions and empowering businesses to thrive in the era of connected devices and smart technologies. The collaboration aims to cater to the diverse needs of industries, including telecommunications, automotive, smart metering, sound boxes, and other sectors. The partnership will provide clients with solutions that meet their specific requirements, and both companies share a commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality in their products and services.

Quectel’s global presence will play a pivotal role in establishing a seamless and efficient supply chain. This international reach ensures timely delivery and comprehensive support across borders, reinforcing the partnership’s ability to meet the demands of a wide array of industries.

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Neue announces its sensor as a service offering that integrates world-leading security out-of-the-box from Kigen to dramatically reduce key product development hurdles for companies seeking cutting-edge connectivity solutions, enabling the development of groundbreaking connected products.

The combination of the solutions that address two principal challenges faced by product designers looking to industrialize always-on, connected products, the no-code, quick path offers significant speed-to-market.

Empowering Connected Products:

Neue, celebrated for its innovative IoT platform, has teamed up with Kigen, a leading expert in securing connected solutions. The collaboration empowers clients globally using the Neue iEnbl, ensuring that wherever there is a need for a SIM, eSIM, or iSIM, these are readily available from the very start in a way that extends to full-scale deployments.

This partnership sets the stage for developing a wide array of new connected products and services, from smart devices to industrial IoT solutions and beyond. The Neue iEnbl has been adopted by 30 customers at various stages, from prototyping to large scale deployments, and is now generally available. The versatile suite of technologies packed in the Neue iEnbl hardware, iSIM enablement, and no-code software reduces on average, between 6-12 months of development time. Customers can leverage manufacturing expertise from Neue’s and Kigen’s mutual partner, Flex.

The collaboration combines the strengths offering:

1. Seamless Connectivity: Effortlessly integrate SIM, eSIM, and iSIM technologies into products and services using the Neue iEnbl that support a number of connectivity options: LTE Cat-M, NB-IoT, 5G, WiFi, BLE 4.2, RS-232/RS-485, GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou).

2. Security: Leverage Kigen’s secure OS for all types of eSIM and iSIM, with expertise in secure connectivity to guarantee data protection and reliability in an increasingly connected world.

A Unified Vision:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Kigen to pioneer a no-code path to the era of innovative connected products”, remarked Fredrik Wanhainen, CEO of Neue. “Leveraging iSIM resonates with our vision of democratizing IoT with the Neue iEnbl, a complete sensor as service solution and Playground creation environment, empowering our clients to create connected products and services that break new ground.”

“The promise of the integrated iSIM is to unleash secure connected solutions for any company, independent of their experience in cellular,” affirmed Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen.

“Together, we are empowering customers who are building the future of IoT and AI with security that’s ever-present and available out of the box, opening up new frontiers for connected experiences.”

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The PCBA (Printed CircuitBoard Assembly) is the core of electronic devices, combining industry know-how and the assembly of electronic components, which is a pivotal process for device manufacturers in the early stage of product design. By offering the customized PCBA solutions to smart terminal devices such as POS (Point-of-Sale), PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular), wearable cameras and more, Fibocom can greatly simplify the manufacturing process, improve efficiency and reduce the time-to-market for industry customers.

Fibocom, a global leading provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, announces the fulfillment of its PCBA capability for industry customers in the field of smart payment, industrial handheld, connected AI camera, commercial display, intelligent service robotics, AI edge server, etc.

Encompassing hardware design, MD & ID evaluation, algorithm migration & integration, certification, and software application support, the comprehensive PCBA solution drastically expedites the commercialization of customers’ smart devices.

“Driven by the surge in digital transformation across industries, the demand for higher product quality, efficiency, time-to-market, cost-effectiveness, and software-hardware services is burgeoning,” said Ralph Zhao, VP of MC BU at Fibocom. “Leveraging Fibocom’s rich experience in the vertical markets and industry know-how accumulated for more than 24 years, the PCBA solutions are positioned to accelerate digitalization across industries with tailored, high-performance integration. We are confident in assisting our customers to win the market sectors in smart retail, PoC, and wearable cameras through a comprehensive of innovative solutions.”

Enabling Rich Functionalities for POS (Point-of-sale)

Smart payment terminals are evolving into highly integrated devices that adopt various exterior layouts and support rich payment methods such as contactless, QR codes, card payments, etc. Fibocom provides a tailor-made PCBA solution that enables reliable wireless connectivity for POS terminals and supports 720/1080PHD touchscreens with a powerful CPU integrated. In addition to the support of the Android operating system, it allows retailers to upgrade the software through the entire product life cycle and develop the industry applications continuously.

Enabling Robust Roaming and Multimedia Capabilities for PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular)

Addressing the requirements for PoC terminal devices, Fibocom offers a comprehensive PCBA solution to reduce the complexity for PoC manufacturers at the early stage of product design. Integrating the cellular capability, multimedia functions, communication protocols, operating systems, and GNSS into the PCBA at a compact size, significantly expedites the timeline of the IoT project, reduces development complexities, and achieves faster time-to-market.

Enabling HD Streaming for Wearable Cameras

The popularity of wearable devices has raised the standard of connectivity and audio-video streaming capabilities, Fibocom’s PCBA solution supports the global 4G/5G cellular roaming, along with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/NFC for short-distance communication. Additionally, the high-performance graphic engine supports there cording and playback of 4K/1080P video, multi-camera input and output, infrared night vision as well as H.264/H.265 decoding. Leveraging the reliability and scalability of wearable devices, the PCBA solution also provides flexible selections on data storage and peripheral interfaces. The solution can be widely deployed in inspection patrol, transportation, live broadcasting, etc.

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Low-cost, solar-powered satellite tracker designed for remote IoT operations and off-grid tracking of assets.

Globalstar, Inc., the next-generation international telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, today announced that it has added GSatSolar to its portfolio of industrial IoT asset tracking solutions.

Offered in partnership with Global Satellite Engineering (GSE), the small, rugged, low-cost tracking device enables VARs and customers to maximize the value of their tracking software tools by increasing the number of trackable assets in near-real time.

Ideal for remote IoT operations, the satellite powered device allows for a greater number of trackable assets, providing more reliable usable data in the field, improving efficiency, and allowing for true remote IoT autonomous data collection.

“GSatSolar is a low-cost option to monitor assets remotely on the Globalstar LEO network and delivers a plethora of verified IoT data across IoT applications,” said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales at Globalstar.

“The GSatSolar is a versatile solution that expands our satellite tracking capabilities. As with all our IoT asset tracking solutions, it features low power, long life and is equipped to perform.”

GSatSolar is highly durable, heat and cold resistant, and minimally invasive regarding antenna performance. Its compact size makes it viable with several flexible mounting options to fit the needs across various enterprise industrial applications. With its solar panel and internal battery, a standard unit reports for years assuming an environment with regular sun exposure.

Data collection capabilities include location, accelerometer, and Bluetooth sensor options, with the option of having data forwarded either to Globalstar’s SPOT My Globalstar data management and mapping platform — with features such as live and historical tracking on demand, alerts, geofences and shared views—or directly to a VAR’s back office or customer endpoint.

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SoftBank Corp., a telecommunications and IT operator headquartered in Tokyo, and Cubic Telecom Ltd., a leading global provider of software-defined connected vehicle¹ solutions headquartered in Dublin, today announced they signed a definitive agreement whereby SoftBank will invest approximately €473 million² in Cubic Telecom for a 51.0% equity stake³ in the company, at a valuation of over 900 million EUR.

With this investment, SoftBank and Cubic Telecom will form a strategic global partnership to pioneer the future of software-defined connected vehicles and other high-value Internet-of-Things (IoT) assets⁴ by harnessing the power of global connectivity platforms. Cubic Telecom is a leading global provider of connectivity solutions to automotive, transportation and agriculture original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and according to McKinsey & Company⁵, 95% of new vehicles sold globally will be connected by 2030, and connected car use cases alone could deliver 250 billion USD to 400 billion USD in annual incremental value for the ecosystem, with Cubic Telecom poised to capture a leading share of this rapidly growing market.

After the investment closes, Barry Napier will continue to lead Cubic Telecom as CEO and Board Member, and Daichi Nozaki, SoftBank’s Senior Vice President responsible for its global business, and two other SoftBank appointees will join Cubic Telecom’s Board. Three Board seats will continue to be held by Cubic Telecom’s existing shareholders, including CARIAD (Volkswagen Group) and Qualcomm, and with the close of the investment, Cubic Telecom will become a consolidated subsidiary of SoftBank.

Cubic Telecom’s Platform for Application & Connectivity Enablement (PACE) is a testament to the shift towards software-defined solutions and away from the legacy of hardware. The platform allows OEMs to monitor, manage and update many aspects of a vehicle or device in real-time, globally, via mobile connectivity – meaning vehicles can be tailored to the requirements of a country or region while complying with different regulatory mandates. Vehicles and devices can receive new features and functionality over-the-air (OTA) throughout their lifetime, which improves performance, safety, comfort and value to ensure the best user experience. Cubic Telecom has grown rapidly since launching its industry-first connectivity platform in 2016, and through agreements with more than 90 mobile network operators (MNOs), the company currently connects more than 17 million vehicles in over 190 countries and regions, adding 450,000 new vehicles a month, which is expected to increase exponentially over the next 5 years.

Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., commented, “In line with our ‘Beyond Japan’ strategic growth initiative, we are extremely pleased to be teaming up with Cubic Telecom to make a full-fledged entry into the fast-growing market for high-value IoT asset connectivity. With its global leadership position, we are convinced Cubic Telecom is the best partner for this opportunity, and we look forward to building connectivity platforms for next-generation social infrastructure.”

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for our team and stakeholders, and we’re excited to partner with SoftBank to pioneer the future of software-defined connectivity,” said Barry Napier, CEO at Cubic Telecom.

“The focus on software rather than hardware means manufacturers can increase the value of a vehicle or device by adding new functionality, over-the-air, which will improve safety, comfort and performance. This, alongside the opportunity AI presents, will open up new collaborations and business models. The opportunities ahead of us are endless.”

Cubic Telecom enables the world’s major automotive, transportation and agriculture OEMs to accelerate digital transformation and better leverage software-defined technologies. The company is also developing cutting-edge services that leverage its platform’s powerful analytics, and as cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) connectivity continues to be transformative, the partnership between SoftBank and Cubic Telecom will play a leading global role in developing new services and accelerating innovation.

While SoftBank has been providing global IoT connectivity services, mainly in Asia-Pacific markets, in this new strategic partnership with industry leader Cubic Telecom, SoftBank will be able to make a full-fledged entry into the rapidly growing IoT markets for connected cars and software-defined vehicles, giving it access to new revenue generating opportunities. By collaborating with SoftBank, which has an extensive customer base in Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries and regions, Cubic Telecom will gain access to new sales channels to further build on its market leadership position. SoftBank and Cubic Telecom will also explore ways to generate synergies and develop new services, such as utilizing satellite and stratospheric-based Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)-based solutions that provide seamless connectivity to vehicles and IoT devices in areas that cannot be reached by traditional ground-based networks.

The investment is subject to regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions, and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first half of 2024.

The post SoftBank Corp. Invests in Cubic Telecom to Pioneer the Future of Software-Defined Connected Vehicles and IoT Assets Globally appeared first on IoT Business News.

Telit Cinterion, a global enabler of the intelligent edge, and Rutronik, one of Europe’s leading broadline distributors, have seamlessly collaborated since 2007, providing a comprehensive portfolio of IoT products and services.

That robust partnership is now reaching new heights as Rutronik introduces Cinterion’s complete product range to its offerings in the EMEA region. The strategic move enhances Rutronik’s capability to deliver a diverse selection of cutting-edge components, including mobile communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS positioning modules, SIM solutions, and various cloud services, to meet individual customer requirements more effectively.

After Telit became Telit Cinterion on January 1, 2023, the company expanded its range of secure IoT solutions in the area of modules and mobile connectivity. The additional product portfolio is now added to Rutronik’s linecard. The family-owned company was already the largest distribution partner in the EMEA region and the additional components will further expand this successful partnership. Among other products, components like the compact 5G modem card MV32-W, the IoT module PLS83-W, and the wireless IoT module TX62 are now included.

“Rutronik’s dedication to maintaining substantial stock levels not only solidifies their position as a dependable distribution partner but also underlines their reliability in meeting the diverse and dynamic demands of the market,” said Rene Heckeler, Sales Director of Global Distribution, Telit Cinterion.

“Together, we are poised to continue our joint journey, pushing the boundaries of IoT technology and further enriching the constantly evolving landscape of IoT solutions within the region.”

Tailor-made customer solutions thanks to highly innovative components and expertise

A key component of success is the combination of highly innovative products and expert knowledge. Rutronik’s Field Application Engineers (FAE) work hand in hand with the experts from Telit Cinterion to ensure an excellent consulting service.

“Together, Rutronik and Telit Cinterion have committed to pooling their expertise at both the technology- and employee-level to transform the wireless IoT market in EMEA,” said Jens Rook, Senior Sales Director, Telit Cinterion.

“Through continuous investment in training and skill development, we ensure that our teams offer the latest technological innovations and provide the highest level of service and support to our valued customers across the region.”

Daniel Barth, Senior Manager Product Marketing Wireless at Rutronik, adds: “Our aim is always to act in the interests of our customers and to offer the best solutions that are precisely tailored to their needs. With the combination of highly innovative components from Telit Cinterion, our expertise, and our services, we achieve exactly that. We are convinced that by expanding our product portfolio, we will continue to write our success story by offering our customers a comprehensive range of first-class wireless hardware, mobile contracts, and cloud services.”

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Accelerating adoption of embedded SIMs (eSIMs) is poised to reshape the cellular IoT landscape, driving growth and market disruption.

As the virtual evolution of traditional SIM cards, eSIMs offer benefits such as cost reduction, operational efficiency, and enhanced security. As eSIM adoption gains momentum, it is set to impact various aspects of the cellular IoT ecosystem, influencing market dynamics and contributing to the continued growth of cellular-based solutions in the enterprise IoT services market, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

In case of eSIMs, the subscriber identification is downloaded to an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC). Functioning as a software-based solution, eSIMs will soon be able to take advantage of a new industry standard that empowers remote deployment and programming. This flexibility enables cellular operators, device manufacturers, users, or third-party eSIM managers to seamlessly program devices for network operator switches, eliminating the need for physical SIM card replacements.

John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData, says: “eSIMs have been around for a few years, but it is fair to say that before now there has been much more enthusiasm on the part of users and device makers than mobile network operators, which have viewed them as a threat. That is starting to change, following the publication of a new industry specification for IoT eSIM earlier this year.”

GlobalData analysis finds there are several benefits of eSIM adoption in IoT, including cost reduction for operators, users, and device manufacturers, diminished hardware and operational expenses, simplified installation and deployment processes, heightened flexibility, and improved security measures.

Marcus observes: “While eSIM represents nothing but upside for manufacturers of IoT devices and connected products, the trend is likely to impact—one way or another—all areas of the cellular IoT ecosystem.”

According to GlobalData’s most recent forecast, cellular-based solutions will continue to account for the largest slice of the enterprise IoT services market through 2027, growing slightly faster than the overall market at 17.3% CAGR. eSIM adoption will be driving part of that growth (along with upgrades from 2G-3G switch offs, 5G adoption, and private cellular connectivity).

The report notes the GSMA’s new eSIM specification, SGP.32, designed specifically for IoT. This specification replaces the old M2M eSIM standard, offering simplified remote provisioning with an IoT Manager module and an embedded IoT Provisioning Assistant. The automated profile switching capabilities of SGP.32 present numerous advantages for OEMs and users, including increased flexibility, longer lifespan, lower costs, and benefits for device makers, fostering global product development.

Marcus concludes:

“In addition to the positive implications of automated profile switching enabled by the standard, it brings challenges such as the potential for increased competition for IoT service providers and a shift in control dynamics among the operator, SIM, and device.”

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The realm of Internet of Things (IoT) is witnessing a remarkable transformation, particularly in the field of remote monitoring. Advanced IoT connectivity solutions are not merely an add-on but a core component driving efficiency and innovation across industries.

The deployment of IoT in remote monitoring has revolutionized various industries, transitioning from an innovative concept to a cornerstone of business operations. In healthcare, IoT devices are being utilized to monitor patients remotely, drastically improving patient care by enabling continuous health monitoring and rapid response to emergencies.

In manufacturing, sensors and connected devices provide a constant stream of data on equipment performance, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and predictive maintenance capabilities. Similarly, in agriculture, IoT technology is used to monitor crop conditions, automating irrigation, and optimizing resource usage. These applications are just the beginning, as IoT connectivity continues to open new frontiers in remote monitoring, driving smarter decision-making and elevating overall efficiency across diverse sectors.

Pioneering Innovations: Multi-IMSI Smart SIMs and Beyond

A pivotal innovation reshaping the IoT landscape is the advent of multi-IMSI smart SIMs. These advanced SIM cards, equipped with the ability to connect to multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs), are revolutionizing IoT connectivity. By facilitating seamless network switching, they ensure uninterrupted data flow – a critical requirement for remote monitoring in areas like healthcare, where consistent data transmission can be lifesaving, and in industrial applications where real-time monitoring can prevent costly downtimes.

The versatility of multi-IMSI smart SIMs extends beyond just reliable connectivity. They offer enhanced flexibility for IoT devices operating across different geographical regions. This is particularly beneficial for global enterprises, where devices need to stay connected across various network territories. The technology also supports scalability, allowing businesses to expand their IoT infrastructure without the logistical complexity of negotiating with multiple network providers.

Furthermore, these SIMs come with sophisticated management platforms, providing administrators with unparalleled control over their IoT devices. Features like remote provisioning, real-time usage monitoring, and advanced security protocols make these SIMs indispensable in the modern IoT ecosystem.

By integrating multi-IMSI smart SIMs, businesses can not only elevate their operational efficiency but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. The technology’s adaptability makes it a cornerstone for future IoT developments, paving the way for more connected, efficient, and responsive systems across all sectors.

Transforming Industrial Operations

In the industrial sector, IoT connectivity‘s role transcends mere monitoring. By integrating IoT sensors into machinery, industries can access a wealth of real-time data, revealing critical insights into equipment health and operational efficiency. This advanced monitoring enables predictive maintenance, preemptively identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns. It also refines maintenance schedules, eliminating unnecessary routine checks, saving time, and reducing expenses.

In the realm of supply chain management, IoT’s impact is equally transformative. IoT-enabled devices precisely track the location and condition of goods in transit, offering a level of transparency and control previously unattainable. This real-time tracking optimizes logistics, from warehouse management to delivery, ensuring a seamless flow of operations.
Moreover, the comprehensive data collected facilitates informed decision-making, leading to smarter, more efficient supply chains. Ultimately, IoT connectivity in industrial operations is not just about technological advancement; it is about redefining efficiency and productivity in a connected world.

Navigating Challenges: Security and Network Reliability

As IoT connectivity expands, it brings with it complex challenges in cybersecurity and network reliability. The vast network of interconnected IoT devices, while efficient, also opens doors to potential security vulnerabilities.
To counter these risks, implementing robust security protocols is imperative. This means not only employing advanced encryption techniques but also ensuring secure authentication processes and conducting regular firmware updates to protect against evolving cyber threats. Additionally, the use of sophisticated intrusion detection systems and continuous security monitoring plays a critical role in safeguarding IoT networks.

In terms of network reliability, consistent, high-quality connectivity is vital, especially in remote or challenging environments. Here, the use of multi-IMSI smart SIMs and other advanced connectivity solutions helps maintain a stable connection. These technologies adapt to varying network conditions, ensuring that IoT devices remain online and functional.

The integration of redundant network paths and failover mechanisms further enhances network resilience, ensuring that connectivity is maintained even in the event of a network failure. Addressing these challenges effectively combines cutting-edge technological solutions with rigorous security and network management practices.

Future Trajectory: The Role of 5G and Emerging Technologies

The advent of 5G technology marks a significant milestone for IoT connectivity. With its higher bandwidth and lower latency, 5G is set to enhance the efficiency of IoT applications, enabling the handling of vast data volumes at unprecedented speeds.

This advancement will facilitate more complex and responsive IoT systems, from autonomous vehicles to advanced industrial automation. Moreover, emerging technologies like edge computing will play a key role, allowing data processing to be conducted closer to the source, thus reducing response times and bandwidth usage. These advancements herald a new era of IoT capabilities, transforming how we interact with technology.

The integration of IoT in remote monitoring is not just a technological evolution but a strategic necessity for future-focused businesses. As we continue to witness innovations in IoT connectivity, the scope for transforming various industry verticals is immense, underscoring the critical role of IoT in the digital age.

The post Enhancing Remote Monitoring through IoT Connectivity: Trends and Innovations appeared first on IoT Business News.

The iSIM is another important step in SIM technology. G+D Mobile Security has played a key role in its development and along with PassTime is now launching the first commercially viable large-scale solution, together with AT&T and Sony Semiconductor Israel.

PassTime, a leading manufacturer of IoT solutions for the automotive industry, wanted to develop its next generation compact GPS locater to be even more energy-efficient with added features and reduced manufacturing complexity for broadening its applicability in other market verticals. Due to these requirements, a classic SIM card or even eSIM presented space and power challenges that were solved with the iSIM (integrated SIM) solution. PassTime selected G+D, AT&T and Sony for the next generation Encore product design.

The companies worked closely together to design the new PassTime Encore locater, which is based on Sony’s Altair ALT1250 chipset and G+D Mobile Security’s proven SIM operating system and is connected via AT&T’s cellular network.

The central component of the solution is the iSIM or iUICC (integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card). Unlike pluggable SIM cards or soldered eSIMs, the iUICC is a TRE (tamper-resistant element) within a SoC (system-on-a-chip). That means that the iSIM is an isolated hardware component that is combined with a baseband chipset to form a single connectivity module.

In the short term, the iSIM will be used primarily for secure IoT connectivity in applications on LTE-M or LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), for example in the energy industry and in healthcare. Consumer devices, such as notebooks, are expected at a later phase.

iUICC offers numerous advantages. These include:

• Smaller hardware real estate for cost saving: the small space requirement, which enables the production of small, lightweight, and thus also cost-effective devices
• Energy efficient for IoT: optimized energy consumption, which increases the efficiency of IoT devices
• Streamlines end-to-end manufacturing process: efficient and fast device production that optimizes manufacturing and operating processes
• Trusted security with major connectivity operators: a high level of security offered by the isolated hardware in combination with G+D Mobile Security’s SIM operating system
• Sustainability: ensured by dispensing with slots, additional housings, plastic and eliminating transport routes.

“For many IoT applications, analysts expect the iSIM to dominate in the long term. G+D Mobile Security invested in the research and development of this new technology at a very early stage and is now playing a pioneering role in the market launch together with industry partners. We are convinced, as demonstrated by this project, that this will enable us to write another exciting success story in this crucial technology segment,” explains Philipp Schulte, CEO G+D Mobile Security.

“PassTime’s asset tracking solution, Encore, is battery-powered and designed to track just about any mobile asset. The device’s small form factor and ultra-low energy-consumption are critical factors to the application as it is often called upon to be in the field for four years or more on the initial battery charge. The iSIM solution allows us to further enhance our solutions’ efficiency in these vital areas,” said Todd Goodnight, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at PassTime.

Dima Feldman, VP Product Management and Marketing at Sony Semiconductor Israel, said:

“The Encore PassTime Tracker marks the first commercial use of the iSIM in scale.”

“This is an important step whose simplification and affordability will enable massive adoption of the IoT. We want to thank everyone involved in this development for making it happen.”

PassTime’s fourth generation Encore has completed testing and will be commercially available starting November 2023.

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Report from ABI Research, sponsored by InterDigital, also warns that 5G is not “finished” and has yet to achieve its full potential.

The features and functionality of 5G-Advanced means the technology is primed for enterprise—but only if mobile operators can consider its applications and turn use cases into practical solutions.

This is according to a new report commissioned by InterDigital, Inc., a mobile and video technology research and development company, and written by market research firm ABI Research, which highlights why this latest network generation has not yet realized its potential in unlocking new business opportunities.

Rapid adoption of 5G over the past three years makes it the most quickly adopted cellular generation to date. Efforts in the past four years (2018-2022) have focused on the foundational development of 5G, laying the groundwork for the new cellular generation and enhancing network capacity, speed, and latency. Yet operators have struggled to tap into the enterprise market and to realise the IMT-2020 vision for 5G, which is oriented beyond mobile broadband.

The new report, The State of 5G-Advanced: Empowering New Verticals and Industries, outlines the development of 5G-Advanced and its new features that will see enhancements to existing 5G technology over the next three years (2023-2026). These will be dedicated to the transformational phase of 5G, or 5G-Advanced, and will improve existing specifications, while also introducing new features that aim to optimize network operations and pave the way for innovative enterprise use cases and business models that have not been feasible with earlier generations. These features include:

• Extended Reality (XR), including AR and VR applications, will be enhanced by 5G Advanced’s promise to enable networks to better identify diverse applications and content, and thus discern XR applications and their specific latency and bandwidth requirements. This new feature adds the flexibility of addressing different requirements for myriad applications, like lower latency for multi-user interactions, edge computing, or streaming applications or higher bandwidth for immersive media.
• Sidelink Positioning, a precise positioning technology that facilitates direct communication between devices, and will allow smartphones, wearables, and other gadgets to connect and interact with vehicles. It can also enhance accuracy, energy efficiency, and mapping, particularly for Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM) applications and is vital for precision-intensive tasks like robotics, Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) control, and drone oversight.
• RedCap, or “reduced capacity”, will broaden 5G’s reach to power-limited devices such as smartwatches, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) equipment, surveillance cameras, and a variety of IoT devices, catering to both the business and consumer sectors.
• Passive or ambient IoT, which aims to connect sensors and devices to cellular networks without a power source and that could dramatically increase the number of cellular IoT devices and become far more appealing to several enterprise verticals.

“The collective research and innovation efforts of the entire industry have laid an important foundation in 5G, but we must recognise that it’s not ‘finished’ and has yet to achieve its full potential,” said Milind Kulkarni, VP and Head of Wireless Labs, InterDigital.

“New features will be standardized in 5G Advanced and 6G that significantly improve capabilities for operators but importantly, open new opportunities in enterprise verticals.”

Alongside the enterprise opportunity, the report also reveals that 5G-Advanced will be critical for the monetisation of 5G, as well as for improving the energy efficiency of, and integrating automation into, 5G networks.

According to the report, 5G-Advanced will deliver the following features and improvements:

• New use cases which unlock new business opportunities, including extended reality (XR), more sophisticated IoT deployments, and applications that unlock new use cases that were not feasible with foundational 5G or prior generations.
• More efficient and sustainable networks, including developing and commercializing more energy-efficient equipment that enable mobile operators to run greener networks.
• Integration of AI and machine learning, specifically in areas of network management, radio intelligence, predictive maintenance, and enhanced user experiences, which will help pave the way for 6G and fully automated networks.
• Improved coverage and capacity, through the introduction of non-terrestrial type communications, mainly satellite, which increase coverage in remote and rural areas and offer better uplink capabilities to enhance coverage, alongside advanced massive MIMO for increased capacity.

Despite new functionality introduced in 5G-Advanced, the report also warns that the “build it and they will come” philosophy on which operators have traditionally relied will not be successful in the enterprise domain unless they can fully understand and embrace the long tail of enterprise requirements and pain points. 5G-Advanced’s new functionality can help operators address the enterprise domain, but an additional step is necessary for success: understanding how to deploy and how to market these capabilities to enterprise verticals.

“InterDigital has long made significant contributions to wireless development efforts in 3GPP, ETSI, and 6G forums like the Next G Alliance, and will continue to develop technologies that will form the bedrock of new standards that usher in these new features,” InterDigital CTO Rajesh Pankaj added. “We believe the operators will capitalize on these capabilities and drive new applications and use cases that will help us all collectively meet the ambitions set out in IMT-2020 to support the development of other industry sectors.”

The biggest priority for 5G-Advanced is to monetize existing 5G networks beyond the consumer domain and start creating large-scale opportunities in the enterprise space. Operators that have already deployed 5G nationwide are well positioned to provide advanced enterprise functionality using their existing networks, translating into a faster Return on Investment (ROI), new revenue streams, and the opportunity to accelerate their public 5G network rollouts further.

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Berg Insight, the world’s leading IoT market research provider, today released new findings about the market for cellular routers and gateways.

More than 5.6 million cellular routers and gateways were shipped globally during 2022, at a total market value of approximately US$ 1.4 billion. Annual sales grew at fast rate than shipments at a rate of 19 percent, reflecting strong customer demand in a constrained supply environment.

Several vendors reported that customers have built inventories during the last year to mitigate disruptions and delayed deliveries, which has resulted in a slowdown in sales growth in 2023. Even though long-term trends remain intact, cellular router vendors again face a more difficult operating environment in the short-term due to uncertain economic conditions. Until 2027, annual revenues from the sales of cellular routers and gateways are forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 percent to reach US$ 2.5 billion at the end of the forecast period.

Cellular routers and gateways provide primary or failover cellular connectivity to devices in a local network. The product category has evolved over the past decades from simple networking devices to aggregation points for devices, implementing advanced functionality for security and edge computing. The market is driven by the growing need to connect assets and workforces in remote and temporary locations as enterprises digitalise their operations.

Ericsson-owned Cradlepoint is the clear leader in the space and differentiates itself by selling its routers combined with software and services exclusively through a subscription model. Sierra Wireless, part of Semtech since early 2023, is the runner up and achieved strong sales growth during the year. Other vendors that hold significant market shares are Teltonika Networks, Cisco and Digi International. These five vendors generated US$ 808 million in combined annual revenues from the sales of cellular routers and gateways and hold a market share of 56 percent.

Other important vendors include BEC Technologies, Belden, Casa Systems, Lantronix, MultiTech and Systech in North America; Advantech, Four-Faith, Hongdian, InHand Networks, Peplink and Robustel in Asia-Pacific; and Eurotech, HMS Networks, RAD and Westermo in the EMEA region. The European and Asia Pacific markets are fragmented with a large number of small and medium sized players that generate annual revenues in the range of US$ 5–25 million.

5G routers and gateways now account for close to 10 percent of annual shipments, but a higher share of revenues due to the price premium to 4G LTE devices. While many distributed enterprises are already taking advantage of the fast deployment time and ease of use of cellular solutions, Berg Insight believes that the trend will accelerate in the 5G era. As the cost per GB decreases, 5G connectivity will become an increasingly attractive alternative to fixed broadband and over time reach a level in which the monthly fee is comparable to a fixed broadband subscription, thereby expanding the market for cellular routers, gateways and modems.

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With a new solution for Brazil, IoT connectivity leader now covers all key markets with regulated or constrained roaming policies.

IoT services provider Wireless Logic has established a permanent local connectivity solution for Brazil, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.

With its remote SIM provisioning (RSP) capabilities and cutting edge connectivity solutions now spanning all key markets globally, including India, China, Singapore, USA, Canada and now Brazil, Wireless Logic continues to redefine industry standards by overcoming regulated roaming restrictions.

Permanent roaming restrictions have long been a hurdle for organisations with multi-country IoT deployments. If anything, these restrictions, including the enforcement of access fees, are on the rise. In response, Wireless Logic has harnessed its best-in-class carrier (MNOs) eco-system and the power of eSIM technology to deliver seamless global solutions which are also compliant with local requirements. Unlike traditional SIMs, eSIMs empower businesses by allowing multiple profiles to be stored on SIM and selected automatically based on business logic. Profiles can be pre-loaded during production or more crucially, deployed effortlessly over-the-air (OTA). This streamlined approach minimises manufacturing complexities, reducing the number of product SKUs required and ensuring operational flexibility.

“Navigating the complexities of SIM and Device management across diverse networks can be overwhelming for businesses seeking international expansion,” said Oliver Tucker, Founder, and CEO of Wireless Logic. “We are eliminating these barriers with our unique ‘network of networks’ approach. By liaising directly with MNOs on behalf of our customers, we empower businesses to focus on their core operations while the intricacies of permanent roaming are expertly managed.”

Wireless Logic’s extensive experience, coupled with millions of eSIMs deployed worldwide, underscores its leadership in addressing the challenges posed by regulated roaming. Additionally, with its strong global position, Wireless Logic ensures seamless data management through a private network infrastructure and 15 strategically positioned data centres, catering to applications with low latency requirements and regions where data sovereignty is paramount.

“This milestone demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class IoT connectivity solutions,” continued Tucker.

“By addressing regulated roaming restrictions in ten key markets, our customers now have the freedom to expand their IoT deployments without limitations. This is a significant step toward a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective IoT ecosystem.”

With ten acquisitions in two years and new strategic partnerships, Wireless Logic provides connectivity for more than 13 million ‘things’. It currently supports customer deployments in 165 countries, has direct agreements with around 200 MNOs and provides reach into more than 750 networks globally.

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Following the news that MediaTek and Meta Reality Labs have announced an exclusive partnership to develop custom chips for augmented reality (AR) glasses; Anisha Bhatia, Senior Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, comments:

“Meta and MediaTek’s partnership on co-developing augmented reality (AR) chipsets is a shot in the arm for the AR segment, showing the vital strategic position of AR in Meta’s path ahead. This is Meta’s second big collaboration with MediaTek, after the August 2023 announcement that Meta’s Llama 2-based AI Large Language Models (LLM) will be used in MediaTek’s processors for on-device AI.”

“Meta is bullish on AR, and smart glasses are widely expected to be the next frontier in tech hardware. Working with MediaTek will provide Meta with more control over implementing its AR vision using MediaTek’s silicon versus using chipset giant Qualcomm’s silicon. Meta has tried creating its own mixed reality (XR) system on chips (SoCs) in recent times, without much success, and is rightfully leaving hardware design to the experts.”

“Meta has been working with Qualcomm on all things XR. The entry of MediaTek, one of the foremost chipset companies and a major Qualcomm rival, brings more competition to this segment. Combined with the hoopla around Apple’s Vision Pro AR headset, added rivalry in AR hardware will move the industry forward, which is what this sector needs.”

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• CMP market dynamics is changing as new players emerge, but concerns persist on coopting with competitors.
• The Chinese business model on IoT connectivity is different from the rest of the world and driven by significantly lower realization per IoT connection.
• Rankings cover 27 CMP players across white-label, captive and third-party players.

Cisco, Telefonica and Vodafone have emerged as ‘Pace-setters’ in the Global IoT Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) Rankings, according to the 2023 edition of Counterpoint Research’s CMP CORE (COmpetitive, Ranking, and Evaluation) report.

Commenting on the IoT CMP rankings and the competitive landscape, Associate Director Mohit Agrawal highlighted, “Connectivity is at the heart of IoT implementations, and connectivity management platforms have an important role to play. The CMP space has been under the spotlight since Aeris acquired the Ericsson IoT Accelerator in March. The emergence of dynamic, cloud-centric players like Eseye, Soracom, floLIVE and Emnify is providing serious alternatives to existing platforms for connectivity providers but concerns on using a platform from another connectivity provider persists.”

Agrawal added, “China, the world’s largest IoT market, is dominated by Huawei and Whale Cloud but both the players have limited presence outside of China. China’s IoT connectivity market continues to follow high growth at sub-$2 revenue per connection per year impacting the business model of CMP players.”

Commenting on the research findings, Senior Research Analyst Akshara Bassi said, “Cisco has a significant lead over its competitors in terms of platform capability as well as execution capability. Vodafone and Telefonica joined Cisco in the Pace-setter category of rankings, showcasing the strong in-house capabilities of these leading mobile operators. The Pace-setters have industry-leading features across all the measured parameters and can execute well in the market. Cisco leads in provisioning, orchestration, analytics, product maturity and integration with OSS/BSS while Telefonica leads in cloud integrations and ease of use. Vodafone excels in security and billing.”

Aeris, Verizon, Cubic Telecom, Whale Cloud, Wireless Logic, Kore Wireless, Emnify, Soracom and Velos have emerged as Leaders in the CMP market. These players have swiftly added features to their platforms to address new use cases, especially from Mobility. Cubic does well in analytics, particularly for the automotive industry.

floLIVE, BICS, Eseye, Onomondo, Mavoco and Pod Group have emerged as Challengers with very capable platforms but still do not have the required market presence. Bassi added, “Over time, these particular vendors are most likely to move up to the Leaders quadrant”.

Comarch, Huawei, 1NCE, Nokia and NTT Transatel are Up-starters with significant execution capabilities, but the platform lacks a few key features compared to the Leaders. Comarch and Nokia do well on integration with OSS and BSS while Huawei is the largest CMP in terms of managed connections as it powers China Mobile. 1NCE may not have some of the features compared to other CMPs but has a disruptive business model and hence its CMP does not fit the traditional feature sets.

IOTM, ConnectedYou, Pelion and 1oT round up the rankings as they find themselves in the Niche segment. Agrawal clarified, “There has been an emergence of platform aggregators, such as IOTM and ConnectedYou, focusing on ‘Bring Your Own Contract’. Platforms from these players have a different role compared to those of traditional CMPs and hence their features are not directly comparable with other CMP vendors. These players provide a single pane of glass and superior analytics, but their USP is under threat as leading CMP players are adding these functionalities to their platforms.”

The post Cisco, Telefonica and Vodafone Pacesetters for 2023 IoT Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) Ranking appeared first on IoT Business News.

• Expanded Reach: OQ Technology’s NB-IoT services extend o2 Telefónica’s global reach to over 130 counties
• Boosting Connectivity: Aiming to connect in the range of seven (7) digits worth of SIMs to the OQ network by 2030, showcasing potential for massive scale deployment
• Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: Leveraging OQ’s 3GPP LEO constellation, O2 Telefónica enables 5G IoT connectivity for NB-IoT standards-compliant devices

OQ Technology, the first and fastest growing 5G IoT satellite operator, proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with o2 Telefónica, ushering in a new era of global IoT Satellite connectivity.

Commencing in Q2 2024, o2 Telefónica will roll out global 5G roaming, enabling Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) solutions deployment worldwide. This collaboration empowers businesses with reliable IoT services, even in previously inaccessible areas.

OQ Technology’s satellite network integrates seamlessly with Telefónica IPX Cloud and Kite, o2 Telefónica’s award-winning IoT connectivity management platform, offering business customers real-time SIM card monitoring and control globally.

In collaboration with OQ Technology, o2 Telefónica offers a hybrid mobile satellite connectivity service, providing global IoT network coverage. The service data is transmitted securely to customers, requiring only a Service-Level Agreement with o2 Telefónica.

Leadership Perspectives:

Omar Qaise, Founder & CEO of OQ Technology: Expresses delight at the Telefónica partnership, marking a historic milestone and enabling o2 Telefónica users to access 5G IoT roaming services globally.

Nikolaos Kalivianakis, Director of Business Solutions at o2 Telefónica: Highlights the collaboration’s potential to enhance efficiency and productivity through OQ Technology’s global coverage and innovative satellite-based IoT connectivity.

New Business Opportunities:

Satellite connectivity unlocks IoT applications in areas where terrestrial networks face limitations. This includes connecting stationary IoT devices like agriculture sensors in remote areas and facilitating IoT applications across the world’s oceans.

New Service – IoT Data Ready:

In early 2024, Telefónica’s Kite platform introduces “IoT Data Ready,” simplifying NB-IoT data processing and acting as a bridge to traditional IT systems.

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Tele2 has begun a partnership with IoT company TH1NG, which will complement and strengthen their offer in smart IoT solutions for business customers in both the private and public sectors.

Tele2 has signed a cooperation agreement with TH1NG in order to strengthen the offer to the corporate market and public sector with solutions for smart properties, industries, homes, connected care, and sustainability in combination with Tele2’s sustainable and cost-effective solutions for connectivity. Through this partnership, Tele2 supplements its connected offer with TH1NG’s platform and product portfolio.

“More and more companies are getting connected and we have a continuous dialogue with our business customers about how to best find solutions that are smart and that also save time and money. Therefore, we look forward to our extended collaboration with TH1NG, which further complements our solutions”, says Sofia Ahlmark Hyvärinen, Sales Director at Tele2 B2B.

With the IoT platform IoT Open, TH1NG, together with partners such as Tele2, can connect all things that communicate and thereby enable the services of the future.

“We can already offer IoT solutions for entire societies today and have taken a position as one of the leading suppliers of IoT platforms in Sweden. It is very exciting that we are now with Tele2 taking another step forward by offering joint solutions which will address new customers and target groups and in the end create customer benefits.. We have a very good cooperation already, which we are now developing further”, says Klas Westholm, CEO of TH1NG

With IoT Open, you can connect many digital solutions that exist in society, such as real estate and industry, and can handle all types of connectivity. The totality of connecting all these services using IoT Open enables a smart and sustainable society.

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Polar structure, through its Pan-European LoRaWAN operator Netmore Group, announces the commencement of operations and planned expansion of the France LoRaWAN Network through the acquisition of Objenious LoRaWAN assets from Bouygues Telecom.

This acquisition, facilitated by its owner, Polar Structure, ensures the network’s continued operation to support long-term projects enabled by a European vision of the market and sustainable network infrastructure deployments.

The transition encompasses services such as network infrastructure management, monitoring, radio planning, maintenance, and customer support. Integral to this offering is the SPOT platform, a dedicated LoRaWAN management portal used by the Objenious customers. By including the SPOT platform in this transition, we aim to ensure continuity and a seamless experience for existing clientele. Furthermore, Netmore Group will also provide full access to its expanding European LoRaWAN macro network and will offer coverage on demand for large-scale IoT projects in France and other European regions.

Reflecting on the company’s commitment to long-term growth, Netmore is engaged in discussions with industry stakeholders who are seeking dependable long-term connectivity solutions for at least the coming ten years, with a fully dedicated LoRaWAN operator aiming to both ensure continuity and develop the network to support future use cases and applications.

Netmore Group, under the ownership of infrastructure investor Polar Structure, have jointly expanded their physical presence and network infrastructure in eleven European markets.

Arnaud Delprat, Netmore Group’s Managing Director in France, stated, “With the completed acquisition, the French IoT market now has stable and long-term access to professional LoRaWAN services. We are actively in dialogue with existing and potential customers and partners, particularly utilities, resource management, smart building companies, property owners, to understand how we can best support their long-term and large-scale IoT projects. I encourage more companies within the IoT sector to initiate discussions on the connectivity solutions we offer. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bouygues Telecom and Objenious for their valued collaboration. To the esteemed customers of Objenious who have opted, or will opt, to pursue the LoRaWAN journey with us, we anticipate contributing collectively to the advancement of the LoRaWAN market in France.”

Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group, noted:

“Our Pan-European strategy highlights our commitment to integrating across diverse markets, with France playing an integral role. This expansive approach not only strengthens connectivity but also amplifies the commercial reach for our French partners, allowing them to tap into wider European opportunities.”

Bernardo Cabrera, Director of BU Objenious by Bouygues Telecom, states, “We are very proud to announce our deal with Netmore, which will significantly benefit our LoRaWAN customers. It was important for us to find an alternative solution for our LoRaWAN clients who wish to continue using this technology, and we believe that Netmore is the right actor at the right moment. Netmore has a proven track record with LoRaWAN technology across Europe, and we have confidence in their ability to further our work in this field. Objenious, as Bouygues Telecom’s IoT brand, will continue to develop its technology portfolio with LTE-M, NB-IoT, 4G, and 5G technologies, which are complementary to the LoRaWAN IoT use cases.”

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Fibocom proudly announced that its 4G smart module SC126-NA has received certification from a leading carrier in North America. SC126-NA is an LTE entry-level, high-performance IoT SoC module tailored for the AIoT market, receiving the certification has verified the capability of its operation in the local telecom operator’s network, further accelerating the deployment of AIoT applications in the regional market.

Fibocom, a global leading provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, is proud to announce a pivotal achievement for its 4G smart module SC126-NA receiving the certification from one of the leading carriers in North America.

Integrated with a quad-core processor and leveraged 11nm technology, SC126-NA is a high-performance smart module designed for the entry-level intelligent IoT market, now the module is fully capable of providing an integrated, seamless connectivity service to a wide range of AIoT terminals including smart wireless payment terminals, industrial handhelds, 4G PTT-over-cellular terminals by gaining the certification.

The global artificial intelligence IoT market is projected to reach high demand with the expansion of AI technology. As an essential in fostering the AIoT market growth, smart module empowers IoT devices with mobile computing capabilities, allowing real-time data processing and analysis, greatly reducing the decision-making timeline in critical scenarios for industry customers and improving overall efficiency. The validation of Fibocom’s SC126-NA smart module can shorten the certification cycle of customers’ terminal devices and ease the investment concerns for customers’ IoT projects.

Notably, Fibocom SC126-NA is equipped with an open Android operating system with rich multimedia processing capabilities. It can be connected to an FHD (1920 x 1080 @30fps) touchscreen, supporting multi-channel camera input, plus H.265 / H.264 encoding and decoding capabilities and integrating with facial recognition algorithm. Packaged in LCC + LGA form factor, the module offers maximum flexibility for customers to develop terminal devices for various market demands. In addition, SC126-NA is capable of providing precise positioning and navigation with GNSS. Furthermore, with the scalability to support a rich set of interfaces including MIPI / USB / UART / SPI / I2C, etc, Fibocom SC126-NA is an ideal smart wireless solution for various applications that require the integration of cellular communication and multimedia features. With the expanding landscape of AIoT applications in the global market, Fibocom developed a series of regional versions of SC126 to support the frequency bands in Europe and APAC, as well as Wi-Fi only version to satisfy the booming market demands.

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