Lupo combines a security device, item finder and remote controller into one handy solution; becomes a development platform with unique SDK
Connect-IN Ltd, a Bluetooth technology developer, today announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for the development of Lupo, a multi-functional Bluetooth button for loss prevention, lost item recovery and remote control.
In addition, the Lupo is designed to become a platform for the creation of new applications and comes with a software development kit (SDK) designed to enable app developers to build their own unique apps on the device.
The full range of Lupo capabilities includes:
Lupo for loss prevention
The Lupo can be set to activate anti-loss and anti-theft alerts, including audible and visible alarms and/or SMS like messages, when personal items are left behind or someone else moves them. In addition, Lupo can help to prevent data theft by automatically locking a computer when the user steps away from it, the first device of its kind to offer this service.
Lupo for recovery of lost items
Lupo can help find lost possessions through “last known location” finding and crowd-sourced updates on a map, to help recover a lost item.
Lupo for remote control
Lupo can be used as a Bluetooth remote controller for controlling a smartphone camera to take the perfect selfie or to click through presentations, which are just two apps that are built-in to Lupo.
Lupo for developers
Software developers can build their own Bluetooth applications on the Lupo platform with the Lupo SDK, allowing them to program the button and harness the built-in accelerometer for gesture control, plus its location-based and proximity detection technologies to create new and useful applications.
“We are confident that the benefits of the Lupo extend far beyond simple ‘lost and found’ as it has significant feature and performance advantages over Bluetooth item finders,” said Raj Sark, Founder, Connect-IN Ltd. “The combined range of features offered by the Lupo in one single device coupled with the SDK option makes it a very compelling proposition both for consumers and developers and we look forward to introducing it first to the Kickstarter community.”
Developed at Strathclyde University and winner of coveted start-up awards from MIT and Nokia, the Lupo has many years of research behind it. The device algorithms developed by the company ensure that the Lupo leads the market in key performance areas, such as:
- Variable range settings: Lupo is the most advanced device of its kind to offer user-defined range settings for proximity notifications.
- Battery performance: Lupo’s intelligent power management module ensures that the user gets the most out of the device battery. Lupo improves upon Bluetooth’s low energy performance using new hardware components, software and firmware optimisation to provide an average full year of use before the standard coin cell battery needs replacing.
- Utility: Lupo does not rely only on radio signal strength (RSSI) to trigger events. This means Lupo sets with more precision to control when events are triggered (lock device, alert settings, etc.) and does not create false alerts.
- A learning algorithm: The Lupo technology is designed as a learning algorithm that gets smarter and more power efficient in use.
“The Lupo is an incredibly well-engineered device and is a much more stable and effective than other Bluetooth finder or security products I have had experience with,” said Stewart McGrenary, CEO of Freedom Mobiles. “Combine that with the fact that it has so many built-in features and is also a platform for creating all kinds of new applications, and you have a winning solution.”
Expected to retail for around £40 ($66), the Lupo Kickstarter campaign gives backers the opportunity to get their hands on one for as little as £18 ($30).
About Connect-IN Ltd
Born in Strathclyde University, Connect-In Ltd. was founded in 2011 with the goal of developing advanced mobile applications that build on the potential of low power wireless technologies. In 2012, the company won the Best Demo award at Startup Weekend Copenhagen Mobility, followed by winning at the MIT Global Startup Workshop 2012, which started the company on the road to the development of the Lupo multi-functional Bluetooth button for loss prevention, lost item recovery and remote control. Connect-In Ltd. is backed by Gabriel Investors, the Technology Strategy Board and Strathclyde University. www.mylupo.com