By: Scott St. John, Pipeline

Advances in innovation

This month, Analogix launched a product called the SlimPort^® NANO∙CONSOLE which enables Android users to connect their smart phones to external monitors. The Analogix product allows users to use their Android device as a TV, gaming console, PC and more; and it rivals products currently on the market, such as Google Chromecast - with several unique differences. 

Unlike Chromecast, the Nano∙Console connects to the Android device via the Slimport® and to the user's screen of choice via HDMI.  By physically connecting to the device, it allows the Nano∙Console to act as a docking station which simultaneously charges the mobile device and provides Bluetooth connectivity for peripherals such as an optional remote control that can control the mobile device via Bluetooth.  

The nearly-acquired DIRECTV announced an immersive virtual reality app, which provides viewers with an engaging, up-close boxing experience. The app, called Big Knockout Boxing (BKB) VR App, currently only provides select experienced, based on the most existing fight moments.  The app is available for Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition and Cardboard (Android and iOS) headsets which can be downloaded from the Oculus™ Store, Google Play, and Apple App Stores.

Mobilotto, a subsidiary of Epcylon announced that it was granted a patent in the US and Canada for mobile gaming.  The patent leveraged proprietary geolocation technology to enable location and jurisdictional verification.  The application of the technology allows operators who have lottery licenses to verify popular mobile games and can be customized for the operator’s unique regulatory environment, security needs, and player capabilities.

Gemalto teamed up with Dai Nippon Printers (DNP) for secure mobile payments in Japan. According to sources cited in the press release, Japan has one of the fastest growing mobile commerce markets with 60% of ecommerce expected to be conducted through mobile devices by the end of the year. The solution incorporates tokenized mobile NFC services and is being implemented to extend mobile payments in anticipation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

MultiTech launched a Tech Hub for the advancement of IoT and M2M. The innovation center is focused on the LoRa protocal respective to LoRaWan, which enables long distance and low power connectivity for M2M, IoT, and smart city applications to augment or compliment cellular connectivity.

Viva la innovation?  Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, and the French Government announced a shared vision of innovation. Nokia will leverage Alcatel-Lucent’s existing R&D and technology centers throughout France to drive innovation for 5G and small cells, cyber-security and privacy, Bell Labs, wireless transmission, optical transmission, and IP platforms.

Not to be outdone by their neighbors across the channel, the University of Surrey announced the opening of its 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC).  The 5GIC will focus on applying 5G technology to video, IoT, remote healthcare, robotics, smart cars, connected homes, smart cities, and virtual reality.  The centre has already attracted 170 researchers and over £70 million of investment, including £12 million from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), making the 5GIC is the world's largest academic research center dedicated to next generation mobile and wireless connectivity, according to the University of Surrey press release.

Focus on security

T-Mobile made headlines when one of Experian's data servers got hacked, adding two new victims to the growing list of large-scale enterprise targeted by cybercriminals. This month, T-Mobile provided an FAQ and resources for consumers including insights into what occurred, what information was obtained, and what action can be taken.  The breach included sensitive customer information, such as social security numbers, which were used for credit evaluation purposes between September 1, 2013 and September 16, 2015 which is required by law to be stored for 2 years after credit determination is made.  The information was encrypted, according to the statement, but it is believed the encryption has been compromised. 

In related news, AT&T and IBM collaborate mobile, data, and cloud security. The solution combines IBM’s MobileFirst Protect and IBM Cloud security products with AT&T’s NetBond® and Work Platform™ product to contend with the growing number of mobile devices, cloud-stored data and cloud-based apps being used in the workforce.