Amazon recently unveiled its Sidewalk network to allow anyone to easily create connected, interoperable devices powered by the same long-range wireless technology used in its Echo home speaker, Ring cameras, and other home security systems.
Sidewalk is a low-bandwidth, long-range wireless communication protocol developed by Amazon to better extend the coverage range of its Echo, Ring, and other home security devices, as well as to create a network capable of connecting millions of compatible IoT devices. This connectivity will not only allow compatible devices from multiple brands to link together, but it could also be used to let compatible gadgets operate more efficiently over a shared network.
Amazon’s Sidewalk protocol is opening up the possibility for anyone to develop compatible connected devices for the home, garden, or office. This can include things like automatic pet feeders, garden irrigation systems, or even entire smart home systems.
The Sidewalk protocol will simplify the process of making compatible connected devices. Amazon has already demonstrated some especially interesting uses of the network like providing an outdoor lighting system with adjustable intensity or an automatically triggered pet feeder. This is but a glimpse at the possibilities Sidewalk opens up and developers should be able to think up even more intriguing uses thanks to the network’s lown-bandwidth and long-range capabilities.
For gadget makers looking to develop for Sidewalk, Amazon has made it easy to get started. Amazon has provided resources and documentation for device makers, so they can get their gadgets to work with the new protocol quickly and easily.
Amazon’s Sidewalk network could be a game-changer in the IoT industry. By opening up the world of connected gadgets to anyone with an idea, they’re paving the way for innovators to come up with even more interesting and useful devices. If the response is good, we could see a wide variety of connected gadgets powered by Amazon’s Sidewalk network in the near future.