Dev kits now available for people to get building on the long range network
Amazon has announced that it is inviting developers to test Sidewalk, a wireless network designed to extend the range of low-bandwidth, low-power devices in and around the home.
Devs can now order a free test kit that contains the Amazon Sidewalk coverage test device; a device that pings Amazon Sidewalk for coverage to check if the network is operating in their vicinity.
If you’re in the US then it’s likely it is as Amazon tells us that Sidewalk coverage now covers 90% of the population in the States.
To first check whether your neighborhood is covered by the network, Amazon has released a coverage map, which shows areas where the network is currently available and where it will be rolling out in the near future. Amazon plans to work with communities to expand the network’s coverage over time.
The network, which uses the 900MHz spectrum, can support a range of smart home devices such as sensors, smart locks, and lights.
- Read our guide to Amazon Sidewalk to learn more
“We believe that Sidewalk has the potential to unlock a new wave of innovation in connected devices,” said Mike Strauch, Vice President of Amazon Sidewalk. “By extending the range of these devices, we can make them more useful and accessible to people everywhere. We’re excited to see what developers will build on top of this platform.”
In addition to inviting developers to test the network, Amazon also announced a series of webinars and workshops to help developers get started. The Sidewalk Developer Preview is open to all developers interested in building connected devices for the home. Developers can sign up on the Amazon developer website to get started and
Developers interested in building on the Sidewalk platform can learn more by visiting the Amazon developer website and checking the coverage map to see if their area is covered.