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Amazon and Apple Built Vast Wireless Networks Using Your Devices. Here’s How They Work.
Quick thread on an intriguing trend in infrastructure / "permissionless innovation" that expanded today -- to all Echo devices made from 2018 on. https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Quick thread on an intriguing trend in infrastructure / "permissionless innovation" that expanded today -- to all Echo devices made from 2018 on. https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Did you know that the way you can find lost AirTags is that your iPhone is effectively a little WiFi hotspot, constantly listening for them?
And that as of June, Amazon is switching on radios inside your Echo few even knew were there? https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
And that as of June, Amazon is switching on radios inside your Echo few even knew were there? https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Apple, Amazon, even Comcast + Tile have all created on-by-default, short-range wireless networks using more than a billion devices we've already brought into our homes
It's a neat trick for making an end-run around telcos. And few people even realize it https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
It's a neat trick for making an end-run around telcos. And few people even realize it https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Sneaking a giant wireless network into our lives sounds devious, but I don't think most Americans will care.
It enables things they'll want. Like finding lost devices, even lost loved ones.
Still! It's amazing this happened without us even noticing https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
It enables things they'll want. Like finding lost devices, even lost loved ones.
Still! It's amazing this happened without us even noticing https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Tech press is full of stories about why you might want to switch off Amazon's new Sidewalk network -- now hosted by an Echo or Ring device near you! -- but odds are the average Echo owner is now and forever a new kind of long-range wireless internet gateway.
Big implications:
Big implications:
In an average U.S. city, Amazon only needs one Echo or Ring device every mile or so, to have a city-blanketing LoRa wireless network.
It's as if overnight, Amazon became Verizon-for-smart-connected-gadgets.
Here's one that tracks elderly relatives, called CareBand:
It's as if overnight, Amazon became Verizon-for-smart-connected-gadgets.
Here's one that tracks elderly relatives, called CareBand:
Amazon's GM of Sidewalk is super pumped about this, as you might imagine. Amazon envisions tracking pets, keeping neighbors' Ring security systems working even when their WiFi goes down, etc. Ben Wood, analyst, told me he thinks Amazon could even use this to track packages.
Whatever your feelings about Apple and Amazon (and Comcast) creating these big, opt-out wireless networks using unlicensed spectrum and our personal devices, the way this sprang up all at once is reminiscent of e.g. Uber saturating cities before politicians knew what was up.
Ultimately, public will make its own decision about participating in Apple's, Amazon's wireless networks.
Meanwhile, it's one more way for tech companies to lock people into ecosystems.
Are you going to switch phones if it means losing your keys? https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
Meanwhile, it's one more way for tech companies to lock people into ecosystems.
Are you going to switch phones if it means losing your keys? https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-apple-wireless-networks-sidewalk-find-my-11620397704
