CES 2023 already has been serving up its share of IoT news this week even though the big event does not officially begin until Thursday.
Among the early announcements, Morse Micro, which has been among the key developers of Wi-Fi HaLow technology for IoT environments, announced a partnership with AzureWave Technologies, Inc., a provider of wireless connectivity and image processing solutions.
Under the relationship, AzureWave is offering two Wi-Fi HaLow modules, including a new 13mm x 13mm module, the smallest in the market. The modules leverage FCC-certified reference designs anchored by Morse Micro’s MM6108 microchip.
“Wi-Fi HaLow continues to gain momentum in the IoT ecosystem, and our collaboration with AzureWave builds on this energy as we scale and accelerate the deployment of Wi-Fi HaLow solutions worldwide,” said Michael De Nil, co-founder and chief executive officer at Morse Micro. “By joining forces, Morse Micro and AzureWave are poised to design and deliver best-in-class Wi-Fi HaLow solutions that will enrich existing communication modules in a broad range of IoT and consumer electronics applications.”
The partners said in a statement that both the 13mm x 13mm module and 14mm x 18.5mm module are available for purchase directly via AzureWave. In addition, Morse Micro is currently developing evaluation platforms that incorporate these modules for customers.
In other IoT news from CES, enterprise network operator Pod Group, in partnership with SODAQ and Lufthansa Industry Solutions, unveiled a paper-thin tracking device in the form of a Smart Label that aims to broaden the use of asset tracking for the logistics industry to small and lightweight items that previously have not proven a good match with larger or heavier traditional tracking devices.
The Smart Label uses low-power cellular connectivity (LTE CAT-M) to send data regarding device location and temperature back to a centralized dashboard, enabling logistics companies to track valuable goods which could be as small and light as an envelope containing important documents or as large as a full-sized oil painting, according to the partners. Lufthansa’s LEAP platform enables the use of geofences with notifications that can be set to alert the user when the package enters or leaves key points along the supply chain.
The printed battery keeps the label as light as possible, while the use of low-power connectivity ensures that battery life is optimized and can last up to six months. The label could be used multiple times, depending on the frequency of the transmission. The alkaline battery is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium batteries, and the materials used are recyclable.