Odaily Frontline | Helium launched the first IoT tracking device, which is about to enter the European and Chinese markets
Helium, operator of the peer-to-peer wireless network (The People's Network), announced the launch of Helium Tabs, the first personal IoT tracking device in North America. In addition, in order to meet the growing market demand, Helium also plans to expand its wireless network to Europe, China and other places. Specifically, Helium's network hardware device - Helium Hotspots (Helium Hotspots, similar to WiFi routers) will start shipping in Europe next month and open pre-sales in the Chinese market.
Helium was co-founded by Shawn Fanning and Amir Haleem in 2013. Its purpose is to build the world's first peer-to-peer wireless network where anyone can become a network operator, simplifying the connection between devices and the Internet. Helium CEO Amir Haleem has extensive AAA game development experience. Since its launch, Helium has received backing from GV (formerly Google Ventures), Khosla Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Multicin Capital, FirstMark, Marc Benioff, Shawn Fanning and a number of other well-known investors.
Since launching in June 2019, Helium's wireless network has expanded rapidly, with The People's Network hotspots now covering more than 700,000 square miles of North America. As Helium enters Europe, China and other places, cross-border users can also seamlessly use its wireless network.
official dataIt shows that, as of this writing, a total of 4241 Helium hotspots are running.
Helium uses the economic incentive mechanism of blockchain technology to ensure the smooth operation of The People's Network. Anyone can participate in wireless network construction by deploying Helium hotspots, and then get HNT rewards. HNT is the native cryptographic asset of the Helium blockchain and can be used to collectively build the network and send data onto the network using IoT devices.
Amir Haleem, CEO and Co-Founder of Helium, said: "We are excited to launch Helium Tabs at a time when The People's Network is growing rapidly in North America. Without the support of our partners and community, we could not have done so in such a short time We’re looking forward to the launch of The People’s Network in Europe and China, and eventually offering Helium Tabs and other third-party IoT devices to consumers there.”
Unlike other tracking devices, Helium Tabs use LongFi technology, which combines the LoRaWAN wireless protocol and the Helium blockchain to extend network coverage up to 10 miles from a single hotspot. This is clearly a "game changer" compared to devices like WiFi and Bluetooth that only work within 100 feet of a network source, and, thanks to Helium's unique blockchain incentive system, every time a Helium Tabs is connected Helium hotspot owners are rewarded with certain HNT when they connect to the network.
In addition to driving growth in the number of partners and customers, Helium also plans to accelerate its Helium Patrons program, which was proposed in late 2019. Helium believes that the combination of these three aspects will make its network even stronger.
The so-called "Patrons" refer to some entrepreneurial customers who will purchase at least 15 Helium hotspots to help The People's Network cover their cities so that they can also use this wireless network. In return, they'll receive discounts, priority shipping, web tools service, and official Helium support. At present, there are more than 70 "Patrons" in North America, including ReadyRefresh, a beverage distribution company under Nestlé, Agulus, an agricultural technology company, and Conserv, an environmental monitoring platform. With the further expansion of Helium in Europe and China in the future, this project will also be promoted in these two markets simultaneously.
Helium Tabs will initially be available only to users who already own a Helium hotspot, priced at $49. Currently, Helium hotspots can be purchased online at a price of 450 euros in Europe; pre-sales have also been opened in China at a price of 588 US dollars. Specific purchase information can be accessed atHelium official websiteInquire.
