Google Glass, Gear, Pebble, Gear VR, Apple Watch and Android Wear are just some of the many wearable platforms and products we’ve seen arrive on scene in the last few years. Even though manufacturer interest in wearables is on the rise, the wearable and Internet of Things markets are still very much in their infancy and many other companies are looking for ways to get involved.
For Mediatek, the door opens with its new MediaTek Labs, a global initiative that is aimed at providing tools for both professionals and hobbyists that are looking to create the next big thing in wearable or IoT tech. This effort not only includes software development kits, but hardware kits as well, technical documentation, example codes and a discussion forum.
With the launch of MediaTek Labs we’re opening up a new world of possibilities for everyone — from hobbyists and students through to professional developers and designers — to unleash their creativity and innovation,
Marc Naddell
VP of MediaTek Labs
In addition to helping MediaTek get out in front of the wearable/IoT market, MediaTek Labs is also designed to attract more attention to the company when it comes to the western world, as the effort is based out of San Jose, California. While MediaTek has grown substantially over the years as a major budget chip producer, it’s still not nearly as well known in major markets, although there are a few carrier-branded devices out there with MediaTek chips including select Alcatel handset from T-Mobile.
For those interested in partnering up with Mediatek, the company will sell kits to both established companies and DIYers alike. The platform not only includes Mediatek’s fingernail-sized Aster MT2502 chip but all the hardware and software tools needed to get started. If you’re at all interested in getting involved, you’ll want to head on over to Mediatek’s website for even more details.
TAIWAN, Hsinchu — Sept 22, 2014 — MediaTek today launched MediaTek Labs (http://ift.tt/1nKHlH4), a global initiative that allows developers of any background or skill level to create wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The new program provides developers, makers and service providers with software development kits (SDKs), hardware development kits (HDKs), and technical documentation, as well as technical and business support.
“With the launch of MediaTek Labs we’re opening up a new world of possibilities for everyone — from hobbyists and students through to professional developers and designers — to unleash their creativity and innovation,” says Marc Naddell, vice president of MediaTek Labs. “We believe that the innovation enabled by MediaTek Labs will drive the next wave of consumer gadgets and apps that will connect billions of things and people around the world.”
The Labs developer program also features the LinkIt™ Development Platform, which is based on the MediaTek Aster (MT2502) chipset. The LinkIt development Platform is the one of the best connected platforms, offering excellent integration for the package size and doing away with the need for additional connectivity hardware. LinkIt makes creating prototype wearable and IoT devices easy and cost effective by leveraging MediaTek’s proven reference design development model. The LinkIt platform consists of the following components:
System-on-Chip (SoC) — MediaTek Aster (MT2502), the world’s smallest commercial SoC for Wearables, and companion Wi-Fi (MT5931) and GPS (MT3332) chipsets offering powerful, battery efficient technology.
LinkIt OS — an advanced yet compact operating system that enables control software and takes full advantage of the features of the Aster SoC, companion chipsets, and a wide range of sensors and peripheral hardware.
Hardware Development Kit (HDK) — Launching first with LinkIt ONE, a co-design project with Seeed Studio, the HDK will make it easy to add sensors, peripherals, and Arduino Shields to LinkIt ONE and create fully featured device prototypes.
Software Development Kit (SDK) — Makers can easily migrate existing Arduino code to LinkIt ONE using the APIs provided. In addition, they get a range of APIs to make use of the LinkIt communication features: GSM, GPRS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
To ensure developers can make the most of the LinkIt offering, the MediaTek Labs website includes a range of additional services, including:
Comprehensive business and technology overviews
A Solutions Catalog where developers can share information on their devices, applications, and services and become accessible for matchmaking to MediaTek’s customers and partners
Support services, including comprehensive FAQ, discussion forums that are monitored by MediaTek technical experts, and — for developers with solutions under development in the Solutions Catalog — free technical support.
“While makers still use their traditional industrial components for new connected IoT devices, with the LinkIt ONE hardware kit as part of MediaTek LinkIt Developer Platform, we’re excited to help Makers bring prototypes to market faster and more easily,” says Eric Pan, founder and chief executive officer of Seeed Studio.
Makers, designers and developers can sign up to MediaTek Labs today and download the full range of tools and documentation at http://ift.tt/1nKHlH4.
###
About MediaTek Inc.
MediaTek is a pioneering fabless semiconductor company, and a market leader in cutting-edge systems on a chip for wireless communications and connectivity, HDTV, DVD and Blu-ray. MediaTek created the world’s first octa-core smartphone platform with LTE and our CorePilot™ technology releasing the full power of multi-core mobile processors. Through MediaTek Labs™, the company is creating a worldwide ecosystem in support of device creation, application development and services based around MediaTek offerings. With an emphasis on enabling technology for the masses and not the chosen, everyone can be an Everyday Genius. MediaTek [TSE:2454] is headquartered in Taiwan and has offices worldwide. Please visit www.mediatek.com for more information.
from Android Authority http://ift.tt/1Dtt32z
No comments:
Post a Comment