Bug Labs Add AT&T 3G Modem To Modular Toolkit

Last month it was Verizon and Bug Labs; today the modular product development platform specialist is announcing a partnership with AT&T.  Like with the CDMA carrier, the new AT&T deal will see Bug Labs users equipped with a BUG+ 3G/GSM plug-and-play electronic toolkit that will make adding cellular connectivity straightforward.

AT&T will in fact be Bug Labs' exclusive GSM connectivity provider in the US, and the new BUG+ module will mean devices built using the modular system can get online – and with a modem approved by the carrier – instantly.  It'll also be arguably more useful than the CDMA version for those with international ambitions, since the GSM module will work on the European networks as well.

What we don't yet know is pricing and availability, though Bug Labs says the company will be announcing further programs involving the carrier come January 2011.

Press Release:

AT&T and Bug Labs Arm Device Developers With New Wireless Product Development Platform

Integrated system designed to save developers time and money using the GSM world standard–exclusively with AT&T

DALLAS, Oct 19, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — AT&T* and Bug Labs, an award-winning open hardware development platform, today announced plans to launch BUG + 3G/GSM, a plug-and-play electronic tool kit that puts network ready wireless modules in the hands of emerging device product developers for a speedier, more cost-efficient path to commercial launch on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

The BUG platform — accessible through AT&T Emerging Devices — offers a new, innovative approach to device innovation, providing developers with easy access to a full complement of FCC and AT&T certified 3G wireless modules, reducing the need for extended and costly testing and certification during the initial deployment phase. Some additional testing may be required if changes are made in volume production.

In addition to unprecedented hardware configurability, developers can collect, share and control the data coming from networked BUGs using the new BUGswarm web application, now fully integrated with the AT&T Control Center, powered by Jasper Wireless.

"With Bug Labs, developers now have the ability to test and trial their products in the sandbox while they are in the nascent stages of development," said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we're eliminating the certification barriers that have kept some developers from jumping into the game. We're encouraging product developers to bring the next generation of new and exciting products to market as soon as possible."

Products with Bug Labs modules must secure final certification on the AT&T network.

"Together with AT&T, we're inspiring developers around the world to tap into their creativity," said Peter Semmelhack, founder and chief executive officer of Bug Labs. "By leveraging our open product development program, product developers can build, deploy, produce and certify wireless devices at a practical, faster rate."

The addition of Bug Labs builds on the existing AT&T Connection Kit for Device Developer program available through the dedicated AT&T emerging devices web site. The Connection Kit also includes AT&T SIM cards, data capacity for testing, access to AT&T Control Center, powered by Jasper Wireless and best practice guidelines. To learn more about AT&T's Emerging Devices Organization or to see the additional Connection Kit options, please visit AT&T Emerging Devices.

For more information about Bug Labs visit the Bug Labs Web site.

Also, view a video on the Bug.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.