The IoT world is shaping up to be a lucrative investment for those companies who are inventing technology that supports it.
Among those smart companies is Vodafone Group. The company launched their “V by Vodafone”, which is a series of products controlled through its smartphone app in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The platform is available to existing customers. The platform was also launched with four products, all shipped with Vodafone’s IoT V-Sim. Other devices will be launched in 2018, when the range will also be made available through its reseller channels.
Vodafone’s consumer IoT strategy would “build upon the company’s extensive track record in developing and implementing enterprise IoT technologies,” said a company statement. Vodafone Group currently operates 59 million IoT connections across its markets and previously highlighted the technology as a major growth driver.
The company predicted there would be around 370 million consumer electronics and smart home devices used across the company’s markets by 2020. It confirmed that the number was around 50 million presently.
“The Internet of Things is already beginning to transform how businesses operate. Over the next decade, the expansion of IoT into consumer markets will bring about an equally dramatic shift in how people manage their daily lives, at home and in their leisure time,” said Vittorio Colao, group chief executive, Vodafone Group.
What are the devices that are available in the “V by Vodafone” family? Devices available at launch are: V-Auto, a connected car dongle which includes tracking technology, emergency service contact in the event of an accident, and driver assessment technology; V-Bag, which is a clip to track the whereabouts of lost or stolen luggage. Some of the other devices include the V-Camera, which is a home HD camera fulfilling a number of purposes, primarily security and V-Pet, a small tracker allowing cat and dog owners to monitor their pet’s movement and sleeping patterns.
The products work over a 3G or 4G network signal. They do not support WiFi. The devices are reliant on ultra reliable cellular coverage.
“V by Vodafone will also include more features. The V-Sim card, which will be sold as standard with all IoT products from Vodafone. The new app will allow customers to manage all their devices from their phones. Another feature will be connection to the Vodafone IoT network. All of the features are included in a single telephone plan.
Vodafone is making it easier than ever to connect with people around the world with their new “V by Vodafone” technology. This allows consumers to get the most out of their IoT experience.
Edited by
Ken Briodagh
