Arduino GSM/GPRS Shield gets helping hand from Telefonica for data, remote control
Arduino GSM/GPRS Shield gets helping hand from Telefonica for data, remote control
Arduino devices have had the option of a GSM linkup for awhile, but getting that cellular link to truly strut its stuff hasn't always been easy, even for those of us who'd be inclined to program an Arduino in the first place. Enter Telefonica, which wants to be the backbone of your internet of things. It's backing a new version of the GSM/GPRS Shield add-on (shown here) by offering both the expected machine-to-machine SIMs for the cellular connection as well as freshly added remote control of the board through the carrier's BlueVia pages. The Shield itself is getting a quiet upgrade in the process -- the software both takes up a smaller footprint an d can now talk to the world in the background while the Arduino keeps on keepin' on. If you happen to be in Berlin, the new Shield is making the rounds at Campus Party workshops until April 25th. Neither side has said how readily available the new part will be available after that; for now, you can familiarize yourself with the current technology at the source link.
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Telefónica and Arduino present a device with M2M communication to facilitate development of the internet of things
The new connected device represents the embodiment of the initiative presented at Campus Party 2011 and includes the option of remote management from a BlueVia website (www.bluevia.com)
Berlin, 24th August 2012.- In conjunction with Arduino, Telefónica is presenting a new version of the Arduino GSM/GPRS Shield project at the Campus Party in Berlin. The project added a GPRS/GSM connection to a free hardware motherboard, th us originating a low cost device which is connected through Telefónica's M2M (machine to machine) technology and offers a whole raft of possibilities for simple and cost-effective advancement of the so-called internet of things.
This Shield, which marks a further development in the initiative presented at Valencia's Campus Party 2011, brings in notable new features. The hardware and associated software have improved both in terms of their usability and their capacities. The libraries are smaller and additionally allow 'asynchronous' use, meaning that Arduino is freed up to perform other tasks while the shield is communicating. Moreover, Arduino users using the shield can sign up to a communication service provided by Telefónica through which they can manage their Arduino remotely from the BlueVia website (BlueVia is Telefónica's global API program). The service includes its own Telefónica M2M SIM cards, which will allow access to it fro m EU countries, the USA and almost the whole of South America.
All these new advances can greatly benefit developers as they allow them to go on developing M2M communication applications in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. Arduino is at present the hardware of choice for producing prototypes of future systems. It is often used in making the initial versions of new products and prototypes as a prelude to making the required final hardware in miniature.
During the Campus Party in Berlin, Telefónica R&D and Arduino will present the new product at meetings and workshops on 24th and 25th August, where those present will be able to work directly using their own shields.
Engadget