Amazon Invites Developers to Test Sidewalk and Build the Next Billion Connected Devices

Rhea-AI Summary

Amazon has expanded its Sidewalk network coverage to over 90% of the U.S. population, making it available for developer testing. This long-range, low-bandwidth network aims to facilitate connections for a variety of devices, overcoming limitations posed by Wi-Fi and cellular technology. Developers are invited to request free test kits to validate coverage. The integration with AWS IoT Core streamlines device connection and application development, allowing access to over 200 AWS services. Three companies will introduce new Sidewalk-enabled devices later this year, enhancing market choices.

Positive

• Sidewalk coverage now exceeds 90% of the U.S. population, enhancing market reach.
• Developers can access free test kits to validate Sidewalk coverage, encouraging innovation.
• Integration with AWS IoT Core provides seamless connection and access to over 200 AWS services.

Negative

• None.

Low-cost, long-range coverage now extends to more than 90% of the U.S. population

Calling all developers: test kits are available today—validate Amazon Sidewalk coverage for yourself

AWS IoT Core helps developers easily connect Sidewalk-enabled devices to the cloud

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amazon, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that Amazon Sidewalk, a secure, low-bandwidth, long-range network designed to connect the next billion devices, is now open for developer testing. Sidewalk coverage now extends to 90% of the U.S. population, and free test kits are available for developers to validate the breadth of Sidewalk coverage for themselves as they build Sidewalk devices. Developers can request their test kit here.

“We’ve rapidly built out a long-range, low-bandwidth network that now covers more than 90% of the U.S. population, and this is an open invitation for developers to put it to the test,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices & Services. “Many types of connected devices have been limited by the range of Wi-Fi and the cost of cellular technology, which has hindered the ability to connect devices like environmental sensors, leak detectors, and smart locks. Sidewalk is designed to provide a secure, low-cost way to invent and connect a whole new range of devices, and we can’t wait to see what developers build.”

Nationwide Coverage, Ready to Test
Devices connected to Sidewalk come with a secure, persistent, and low-cost connection to the cloud. Newly-released public coverage maps showcase estimated Sidewalk coverage for any U.S. location, enabling developers to understand if their devices will connect in a desired area before starting product development. Sidewalk test kits are designed to validate real-world coverage by regularly pinging their location over the network, providing clear signal strength readings on a map within a developer portal.

Build with New Developer Tools and Resources
Developers can now use the tools and technology from Amazon Sidewalk, AWS, and leading silicon companies to rapidly build and onboard devices and supporting cloud-based applications to Sidewalk. Developers within Sidewalk’s coverage area can instantly connect a qualified silicon provider's developer kit to the cloud without deploying their own network infrastructure. This also means developers' customers can seamlessly add new Sidewalk-enabled devices without installing new apps or providing new passwords to connect their devices to Sidewalk. New tools and features available to developers include:

• Software Development Kits (SDKs): Distributed by leading silicon companies Nordic Semiconductor, Silicon Labs, Texas Instruments, and module vendor Quectel, these SDKs support Sidewalk technology and enable developers to build their Sidewalk applications while also integrating with existing silicon provider toolkits. This simplifies development for new Sidewalk designs and allows easy migration to Sidewalk for existing designs.
• Hardware Development Kits (HDKs) and Connectivity Module: To support their SDKs for Sidewalk, Nordic Semiconductor, Silicon Labs, and Texas Instruments each offer HDKs for developers to tinker, prototype, and design their applications on reference hardware. Additionally, Quectel offers a Sidewalk connectivity module, designed to help developers productize their Sidewalk-enabled devices and decrease their time-to-market.
• Mobile SDK and Tools App: Delivered by Amazon via GitHub, the Mobile SDK for iOS and Android devices is designed to speed up the integration of Sidewalk technology into developers’ mobile apps. Amazon also offers a Tools App for developers to debug and troubleshoot designs in the field.

Natively Integrate with AWS IoT Core
AWS IoT Core integration with Sidewalk makes it easy for developers to access the AWS services and resources needed to efficiently connect Sidewalk-enabled devices to the cloud, including:

• AWS IoT Core for Amazon Sidewalk: AWS IoT Core lets developers access and configure their Sidewalk-enabled devices via an easy-to-use web interface and offers a broad range of AWS services developers are already familiar with. With AWS IoT Core for Amazon Sidewalk, device registration for the development kits is as simple as turning on the device, simplifying the onboarding experience for developers.
• AWS Samples GitHub Repository: Developers can access the software, source code, scripts, and documentation needed to connect devices to Sidewalk, providing AWS reference code that helps developers rapidly prototype solutions.

“The integration of AWS IoT Core and Amazon Sidewalk marks a significant milestone for developers, manufacturers, and customers, streamlining the design, connection, and deployment of Amazon Sidewalk based IoT solutions,” said Yasser Alsaied, vice president of IoT at Amazon Web Services. “Now, with AWS IoT Core for Amazon Sidewalk, developers can access more than 200 AWS services to build scalable solutions on top of a highly reliable, secure, and free-to-connect wireless network.”

New Devices Join Amazon Sidewalk This Year
As Sidewalk opens to developers, customers will have even more choice in the types of devices they can buy. Three companies are introducing new Sidewalk-enabled devices available later this year, including:

• Netvox: Used in residential and industrial settings, the Multi-Sense S315 Series from Netvox will keep homes and buildings safer by combining a variety of sensors into a single device, including air conditioning monitoring, water leak detection, and state monitoring. With Sidewalk, it’s easy for customers to install and deploy the device at an extended range and maintain connectivity.
• OnAsset: A new sensor from OnAsset called Sentinel 200 will leverage Sidewalk to provide logistics professionals with data on high-value shipments from delivery origin to destination, spanning airplane transport, pharma shipments, food deliveries, and more. OnAsset will use Sidewalk data to validate that a shipment is undamaged before it reaches customers.
• Primax: Woody, a smart door lock from Primax, will connect via Sidewalk to help customers experience easy installation and access to remote status monitoring, as well as remote door lock and unlock.

Start Building
Developers can request their test kit today here. They can then visit the AWS IoT Console to begin building Sidewalk-enabled devices. Developers will participate in the “Works with Amazon Sidewalk” qualification program, enabling developers to easily ensure compliance with the Sidewalk protocol. This will also enable customers to see if devices are compatible with Sidewalk. Learn more about Sidewalk’s privacy and security protections here.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005744/en/

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FAQ

What is Amazon's Sidewalk network?

Amazon's Sidewalk is a secure, low-bandwidth, long-range network designed to connect various devices across the U.S.

How much of the U.S. population is covered by Amazon's Sidewalk?

Amazon's Sidewalk network now covers more than 90% of the U.S. population.

What resources are available for developers testing Amazon's Sidewalk?

Developers can request free test kits to validate Sidewalk coverage and utilize new SDKs and development tools.

What impact does AWS IoT Core have on Sidewalk devices?

AWS IoT Core streamlines the connection of Sidewalk-enabled devices and offers access to over 200 AWS services.

What new devices are expected to launch on Amazon's Sidewalk this year?

New Sidewalk-enabled devices from Netvox, OnAsset, and Primax are set to launch later this year, expanding device options.