Broadcom smartens up "Internet of Things" with WICED development kit

USA: Broadcom Corp. continued the expansion of its Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) product family with the announcement of the immediate availability of its new WICED Smart Development Kit through strategic distribution partners.

The hardware development kit opens the door for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop products for the "Internet of Things" with ease. It provides access to a low-power client device with an integrated Bluetooth Smart (formerly Bluetooth Low Energy) software stack and application profiles, offering OEMs an easy-to-use, cost-effective embedded wireless solution with a small footprint to inspire connectivity in a new range of devices. For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

Broadcom's WICED platform eases development and simplifies implementation of Wi-Fi connectivity in an array of consumer devices, particularly in "headless" products without sophisticated user interfaces or existing networking capabilities.

By adding the BCM20732 Bluetooth Smart system-on-a-chip (SoC) to its existing WICED platform, Broadcom helps OEMs develop products that effortlessly pair battery-operated devices to smartphones and tablets, delivering even more mobility to consumers' on-the-go lifestyle.

By using Broadcom WICED Smart-based consumer electronics devices for example, users can continuously monitor and control heart rate, blood glucose and other health metrics from their smartphones. Beyond monitoring, users can upload this information to "the cloud" for real-time analysis and graphical measurement, liberating the data from a singular sensor device and allowing it to be accessed from any client device at any time.

As a testament to the versatility of its WICED Smart Development Kit, Broadcom is helping all types of companies deliver truly connected products, from iDevices'  iGrill, a Bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer, and iShower, a Bluetooth-enabled water-resistant speaker, to Chamberlain Group, Inc.'s garage door systems, which operate under industry leading brands including LiftMaster.