Open Garden Announces Network For IoT Devices

Debuts with TrackR, the Pioneer of Crowd-Sourced Item Tracking

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Sep 08, 2014, 12:00 ET

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Open Garden, a finalist at CTIA's Super Mobility Week Startup Showcase, announced a new generation Mobile Network for IoT devices. With the increasing number of connected devices and the need for ubiquitous data transmission, devices manufacturers are faced with very few options that fit their constraints in terms of cost, device size, battery life, and reliable connectivity.

Open Garden is a San Francisco-based startup dedicated to connecting the next 5 billion mobile devices through peer-to-peer technology. (PRNewsFoto/Open Garden) (PRNewsFoto/Open Garden)

The Open Garden Network makes it easy for devices to seamlessly access other devices and the Internet via secure peer-to-peer connections. Devices automatically detect nearby enabled smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) and can pass data through them securely until the proper destination or recipient are reached. No pairing or configuration are required on the device owner's part. To enable access to the network, device manufacturers use a simple digital access key, available from Open Garden and its partners.

TrackR is the first device to leverage this new technology. TrackR is a small, coin-sized device that attaches to your valuable items such as your keys, wallet, luggage, bike, and more. Using the TrackR app for iPhone and Android, you can locate your lost items in seconds. When an item goes missing, the device broadcasts a wireless signal. When another TrackR app user comes within 100ft of the lost item, their phone sends a message to TrackR's server with the updated GPS location of the item, and then the owner receives a GPS update of where the item is located.

With the Open Garden Network, TrackR users will also receive GPS updates when users of Open Garden's apps or partners' apps or devices come within the range. The system is completely secure and anonymous, the "finder" never knows they found anything.

"Open Garden provides an elegant solution to scale the TrackR community," said Christian Johan Smith, TrackR's President and co-founder. "We are excited to partner with Open Garden to expand our Crowd GPS network to deliver the best tracking experience."

"With the 250,000 devices in the market, TrackR is one of the most successful IoT devices to date. IoT devices require connectivity and simplicity. Because the Open Garden Network is 100% software based, it scales infinitely and the costs are extremely low," said Micha Benoliel, Open Garden's CEO and co-founder. "Open Garden's technology also enables operators to generate additional revenues while embracing the IoT revolution.""

Devices can access the Open Garden Network via an API that is available to devices manufacturers and operators. For more information, please visit www.opengarden.com/IoT.

After five years of research and development, TrackR is the slimmest and most elegant item tracking device, backed by the world's largest Crowd GPS network. For more information about TrackR, please visit www.theTrackR.com.

About Open Garden
Open Garden Inc. is a San Francisco based startup dedicated to connecting the next 5 billion mobile devices with peer-to-peer connections by leveraging the density of mobile devices. Open Garden was recognized as the Most Innovative Startup when it was debuted at TechCrunch Disrupt NYC 2012, and was the Grand Prize Winner of the GMIC startup competition in October 2013. Open Garden is also the publisher of FireChat, the first messaging app that works off-the-grid. Launched in March 2014, FireChat has reached the top 10 amongst social networking apps in 117 countries around the world.

About TrackR
TrackR Inc. is a Santa Barbara based startup and is the leading solution to keeping track of all of your important belongings. Attach a TrackR device to any item and easily manage its location from your smartphone. TrackR has received numerous awards including the Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award. TrackR has shipped over 250,000 devices to customers. TrackR's latest product, TrackR bravo, raised more than $1.2M on IndieGogo.

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SOURCE Open Garden