Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced that
Beeldhorloge, based in the Netherlands, has selected a Sierra Wireless
AirPrime™ embedded module to provide wireless connectivity for the
Pictowatch. The Pictowatch is designed to assist individuals with
cognitive disorders – such as dyschrony (a condition whereby the
sufferer is unable to recognize what time of day it is), ADHD, dementia
and Asperger’s Syndrome – in managing daily routines.
The wireless element connects the Pictowatch to a web server where an
online schedule is hosted and managed by the wearers’ caregivers,
enabling real-time alerts to users when it is time to perform a certain
action – to eat lunch, for example, or go to work. Alerts take the form
of beeps, vibrations, and a digital display of pre-selected icons or
photos representing the designated activity. The core of the watch is
based on the Sierra Wireless AirPrime SL6087 EDGE wireless module, which
provides access to the GSM network and is also responsible for running
the Pictowatch application and producing the pictogram on the watch
display.
In developing the Pictowatch with an AirPrime module, Beeldhorloge was
able to take advantage of the Sierra Wireless Open AT Application
Framework, which enables customers to embed their application directly
onto the wireless module. By using the processing power already built
into the wireless module, no separate microcontroller is required. This
is the real value-add of the Sierra Wireless module: it combines GSM and
microcontroller functions, acting both as modem and as central
processor, so that the entire firmware and software of the Pictowatch is
actually run on the module. For Beeldhorloge, this means that the
Pictowatch can be smaller, use less power, and have a noticeably lower
bill of materials than it would if a separate processor had been
required.
With the AirVantage M2M Cloud Platform, Sierra Wireless also provides
remote device management services, which allows Beeldhorloge to update
the firmware and software on the watch remotely. The
download-over-the-air approach proved vital in the testing phase of the
Pictowatch, as prototypes could be modified while in the field.
“The ability to embed our application software directly onto the
wireless module really helped keep the Pictowatch lightweight and small
enough to wear comfortably, besides reducing the cost of the final
product,” said Mr. Nanko Brattinga, CEO for Beeldhorloge. “Having access
to an already well-integrated set of hardware and software technologies
to manage the wireless connectivity, we were able to concentrate our
development efforts on our core areas of expertise, such as the user
interface, which is critical to the success of the device.”
Airtime for the solution is supplied by KPN. “The growing market for
connected devices represents a very exciting opportunity for KPN, and
healthcare is a particularly rewarding industry to work with,” said
Saskia Van Es, Managing Director for KPN M2M. “We are very pleased to
have teamed up with Sierra Wireless and Beeldhorloge to enable the
introduction of this great product.”
“The Pictowatch is a highly innovative solution for challenges faced by
millions of people around the world every day,” said Didier Dutronc,
Senior Vice President, Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “We are
proud to collaborate with Beeldhorloge in providing technology that can
make such a positive difference in someone’s daily life.”
Pictowatch was trialed by 250 individuals across the Netherlands and
Belgium and received universally favorable feedback. It is currently
available in the Netherlands, and is offered on a subsidized basis by
one of the country’s largest health insurers. Beeldhorloge intends to
offer it worldwide.
Sierra Wireless at Mobile World Congress 2012
Sierra Wireless will showcase the Pictowatch in its exhibit space at
Mobile World Congress, to be held in Barcelona from February 27 to March
1. Visit us on The Avenue at AV-44.
For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirPrime SL Series of
embedded wireless modules, the Open AT Application Framework, and remote
device management services available from Sierra Wireless, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/airprime.
To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or
visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/sales.
Note to editors:
To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/newsroom/productimages.aspx.
About Beeldhorloge
Beeldhorloge (Timer B.V.) offers a simple and effective solution to
those living with the condition dyschrony, are unable to tell time or
need assistance in the planning of everyday tasks.
For more information about the Pictowatch: www.beeldhorloge.nl/english
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile
computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and
solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular
networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers,
enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us
for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless
modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of
software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully
bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra
Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.
“AirPrime” and “Open AT” are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other
product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to,
among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement
of our services and products, statements about future market conditions,
supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues,
gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations,
intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not
historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings
depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture,
and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined
specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan",
"expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current
expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the
wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and
uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you
should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking
statements contained in this press release will be realized.
