Connecthings operates a global network of over 130,000 beacons for smart cities applications
French firm Connecthings, which operates a global network of over 130,000 beacons in public spaces, has partnered with GE’s company Current, to encourage the use of the intelligent environments platform in smart cities.
Connecthings said that the platform allows companies, municipalities and the local tech community to harness the power of the industrial internet and develop new applications to solve urban challenges and engage with citizens.
Founded in 2007, Connecthings operates a global beacon network with Bluetooth, NFC, QR code and Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces to transform passive urban points of contact and locations (street furniture, train stations, airports, shopping malls, public venues) into smart, connected objects which can communicate with smartphones.
“With our new generation of mobile engagement powered by smart city physical networks, mobile application users access real-time, contextualized information through their usual apps; the mobile apps publishers can access data usage across smart city environments,” said Laetitia Gazel Anthoine, CEO and Founder, Connecthings. “Together with Current, Connecthings is paving the way for new and exciting ways to catalyze the energy sector.”
“With the ever-expanding ecosystem of partners and the innovative developer community, thousands of applications can be built to drive desired outcomes for cities. From reducing traffic congestion, increasing pedestrian safety, driving new economic development and job creation to providing citywide Wi-Fi connections, innovation is at the core of who we are and what we do,” said Jim Benson, GM Strategic Alliances and Marketing, Current by GE. “Together with Connecthings, we will usher in a new digital frontier, giving cities and citizens alike the benefits of a connected city.”
Current implements advanced energy technologies like LED and solar with networked sensors and software to make commercial buildings and industrial facilities more energy efficient and productive. Current’s offering is backed by Predix, GE’s platform for the Industrial Internet.
