Release of 20.12.2013
- Telekom Austria Group M2M simplifies market entry for smart gadget manufacturers with embedded SIM cards and Cash & Carry platform
- M2M connectivity and smartphone apps increase usability
- Smart gadgets are now available in the A1 online shop
Telekom Austria Group M2M is currently expanding its portfolio to include services for connected consumer gadgets. Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, already widely used in the business customer segment, enables connectivity between everyday smart items and smartphones, tablets and the computer. Currently, users of smart devices are faced with complex configuration and bad usability issues. Against this backdrop, Telekom Austria Group M2M’s offering is aimed at making the usage of connected gadgets easier and more intuitive. Smart devices are equipped with embedded connectivity: thanks to built-in and already configured SIM cards, smart devices are immediately ready for use after being switched on and collected data is displayed via a clear user interface.
“The internet of things is becoming a part of everyday life, from lifestyle products like the pet tracker to security applications like intelligent smoke detectors. With our embedded connectivity services, we are addressing a concrete problem in this field. Conventional data transmission among different devices via Bluetooth or WLAN is a challenge for many customers, not only in the configuration process but also during usage. Via the connection to a mobile communications network, the gadgets can be used right after switching them on, at home, on the go and worldwide,“ explained Phat Huynh, Marketing Director at Telekom Austria Group M2M.
Simple Market Entry for Gadget Manufacturers
For many innovative start-ups working on smart gadgets, apart from connectivity, there are a number of challenges concerning the market entry. The Telekom Austria Group M2M supports gadget providers with a close marketing and sales cooperation via established communication and sales channels of the company. Moreover, a cash & carry platform is being developed, which is specialized on the sale, billing and service management of such devices. “With this platform, we are closing the gap between suppliers and end-users and allow a fast go-to-market”, says Phat Huynh.
From Smart Collars for Pets To Winter Protection for Holiday Homes
As a start, Telekom Austria Group M2M offers two smart gadgets, including the app via the A1 Online Shop. The portfolio is being extended gradually and will encompass all areas of life.
Tractive: A smart collar for pets, which based on the GPS technology, can determine the current location of a pet in real time. Especially in unknown areas like on holidays, during hiking or right after moving to a new place, Tractive helps you to keep an eye on your beloved pet. If it leaves the preconfigured safety area, the gadget sends as alarm and shows the pet on a map. The location of the pet can be tracked live via the Internet, a smartphone or a computer. Thanks to a built-in light source, this smart collar helps find pets more easily also on traffic routes. With the free download of an App for iPhones and Android, location data and other important information about the pet can be easily stored, managed and shared on social networks.
QGuard: With this smart device, summer or holiday houses can me made “winterproof”. Especially in remote areas which are not visited during the winter, QGuard allows an easy and effective all-around protection. The gadget monitors the temperature and controls the connected heating. This way, the house is protected against frost damage and can be pre-heated to a pleasant temperature upon arrival. Moreover, Qguard protects against unwelcomed guests by simulating presence: the lights are automatically switched on when it gets dark outside. As soon as someone enters the house, an SMS is sent to the smartphone.
These smart gadgets are now available in the A1 online shop.