BOSTON – Simply in time for CES, Blues Wi-fi (Blues) formally introduced the Notecard Outboard Firmware Replace, an over-the-air no-code (OTA) firmware replace functionality that can set a brand new normal for flexibility and safety within the IoT business. The sport-changing innovation permits gadget builders to implement firmware updates of their units with out writing any code in anyway, however by making just a few easy wiring adjustments between the Notecard and their microcontroller (MCU). Builders might select from numerous MCUs, programming languages, and real-time working programs (RTOS), and might even carry out updates on ‘native’ functions with no code from Blues and no RTOS in any respect. This functionality from Blues continues to ease the developer’s IoT journey, bringing mobile cloud-connected merchandise realistically inside attain of each developer, regardless of their ability degree.
The flexibility to replace firmware over the air is desk stakes in IoT, enabling distant supply of bug fixes and safety updates to units properly after they’ve been deployed to prospects. Up to now, implementing firmware updates is a posh and extremely dangerous endeavor, requiring code that safely “swaps itself” in place – reverting to “final recognized good” variations upon failure. This difficult code is mostly positioned inside the software itself, or inside its RTOS, requiring a particular ‘bootloader’ and firmware structure.
The Blues Wi-fi Notecard acts as a “safe co-processor” designed to dump mobile communication burdens from the appliance, together with that of downloading and verifying firmware updates from the cloud. Now, by giving the Notecard management over the MCU’s “strapping pins,” the Notecard’s new Outboard Firmware Replace functionality permits it to reset and lay down new firmware and information into the MCU’s storage “from the surface,” requiring no cooperation with the appliance or RTOS working inside that focus on. The Notecard can set up new firmware no matter whether or not the MCU is hung, working rogue firmware, or simply in want of latest options and capabilities.
The Notecard’s Outboard Firmware Replace functionality stands aside from the competitors as a result of:
- A lot of MCUs are supported.
- It’s impartial of RTOS and programming language, making it straightforward to develop and deploy a prototype, replace it within the discipline, and even change RTOS after the very fact.
- Non-functional (bricked) units broken by corrupted firmware, malware assaults, or simply an ‘infinite loop’ may be recovered.
- Partial app updates may be carried out – such because the set up of a new machine studying mannequin – saving on information utilization prices for giant updates.
Firms constructing cloud-connected units want to think about how they’ll preserve and improve their options as they scale from prototype to full-field deployment of doubtless a whole lot of hundreds of units. This problem solely multiplies for cellular-based options. Blues has created the Notecard and Notehub particularly to take away the price and complexity from IoT growth, and to allow safe and economical operations at scale. Outboard Firmware Replace is one more commercial-grade functionality that Blues is now offering to its prospects.
Blues will probably be exhibiting at CES, Sales space #10752, North Corridor of the Las Vegas Conference Middle. Request a media tour or interview and discover up-to-date exhibitor info and extra showcase particulars at blues.io/ces-2023.
About Blues Wi-fi
Blues Wi-fi (Blues) is a hyperscale mobile IoT answer supplier based in 2019 by repeat innovator Ray Ozzie. Their flagship merchandise, Notecard and Notehub, work collectively to offer a whole high-scale device-to-cloud information pump. Blues reduces the price and complexity of constructing linked merchandise by together with provisioning, safety, and cloud gadget administration as normal options, with the
simplicity and adaptability enabling it to be integrated inside new and current designs. Greater than 800 forward-thinking firms, from startups to enterprises, use Blues to securely cloud-connect their merchandise. E mail [email protected] or go to blues.io for extra info.
