Amazon Trialing Pro Version of Sidewalk for Smart Cities, Emergency Use

Amazon extended its Sidewalk network to businesses, municipalities, universities and public services through two pilot programs, it blogged Thursday. Amazon Sidewalk Bridge Pro by Ring enables organizations to address problems created by limited connectivity, the company said. A pilot with Arizona State University will address smart cities research; a second with Thingy is designed to help first responders fight wildfires. The Pro version will provide Sidewalk connectivity to sunlight sensors, air quality indicators and moisture sensors in places like commercial centers, parks and wilderness areas, Amazon said. It has longer range and more capacity than the home version and has been ruggedized for outdoor conditions. The bridge, which has multiple layers of privacy and security protection built in, can be installed inside or outside and can connect to hundreds of devices more than 5 miles away, it said.