News
Lifestyle Initiatives for IoT and Home Spaces in the 5G Domain to be Strengthened Through Integration of Alps Alpine’s Device Strengths and Sensor Technology with FreeBit’s Web3 Technology and GIGA PRIZE’s Rollout and Support Capabilities
Alps Alpine and FreeBit to Begin Collaboration in 5G Homestyle Domain and Launch Integrated Joint Field Trials at LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai Using a 5G Communication Device Evaluation Kit for Public and Local 5G Networks
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Mar 31, 2023
Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6770; President & CEO: Toshihiro Kuriyama) and FreeBit Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President, CEO and CTO: Atsuki Ishida), under the capital and business alliance they announced today, are to commence technical collaboration within the “5G Homestyle” domain at the LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai complex created by FreeBit subsidiaries GIGA PRIZE CO., LTD. (headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Toshihiro Sato) and LTM Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Naoya Murota).
The LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai complex being created by GIGA PRIZE and LTM is scheduled to open in summer 2023 as a community space for presenting new ideas for homes and living styles. Visitors will get to experience 5G Homestyle, a new lifestyle format for the 5G and Web3 age based on advanced technology with links to the Internet of Things (IoT) and other next-generation communication platforms, along with FreeBit’s own blockchain technology. Seeking to collaborate on technology not only in the mobility sector – especially electric vehicles and autonomous driving or advanced driver assistance systems – but also within the lifestyle domain encompassing IoT and living spaces, Alps Alpine and FreeBit will team up with GIGA PRIZE to carry out vertically integrated field trials of devices and communication, technology and spaces at LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai. The field trials will take place within a stable 5G connected environment leveraging highly reliable communication technology built up by Alps Alpine through the development of products for the automotive market. The company will supply a 5G Communication Device Evaluation Kit for use with public and local 5G networks.
A 5G NR Module developed by Alps Alpine boasts environmental resistance, high robustness, and quietness due to a durable, heat- and humidity-resistant, and fanless design that makes use of a highly reliable 5G network access device (NAD) and enhances installation freedom for use in a broad range of scenarios, even harsh outdoor environments. Alps Alpine’s extensive expertise in the communication field and links to sensors will enable the characteristic low latency, mass connectivity and high communication speeds of 5G within a defined area, supporting wide-ranging needs through connection to Wi-Fi and home network devices via 5G hub devices. Meanwhile, FreeBit has made significant progress in rolling out technology for the Web3 domain, developing freebit web3 Blocks – for resolving various issues relating to blockchains, the core Web3 technology – and realizing the world’s fifth largest layer 1 blockchain in terms of number of nodes. Integrating Alps Alpine’s devices and diverse range of sensor technologies with FreeBit’s Web3 technologies will deliver secure and stable 5G solutions addressing the issues and needs of a wide range of fields.
■ About LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai
The LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai complex is a community space presenting new ideas for homes and living styles, as developed through efforts to reflect changing lifestyles in housing and smart towns. It is positioned as a center for experiencing advanced technologies, including 5G, other next-generation communication, and IoT devices. Technologies enabling smart homes and smart towns will be verified through installation of a smart pole* in the Center Court and IoT devices inside model homes within the Life Creation zone. Visitors will also be able to experience 5G Homestyle for real. New technology and know-how acquired at LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai will be applied to future business, with aims for sustainable growth as sales channels and networks are expanded through stronger ties to the housing sector.
■ LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai Layout
LIVINGTOWN Minatomirai comprises three zones with different themes and a Center Court where people can gather. The Life Creation Zone will open first in spring 2023 prior to the official opening of the Life Style Zone and Life Residence Zone in summer 2023.
● Life Style Zone
Car dealer showroom area. Visitors get to view and experience vehicles of a number of overseas brands.
● Life Residence Zone
Restaurants and a coworking space. The restaurant area lets visitors experience the seasons and distinct worldviews through food and drink. The coworking space supports diverse work styles with an office-like environment in close proximity to the home.
●Center Court
A grass park where events can be held and car dealers can hold exhibits. A smart pole* will be installed, allowing visitors to experience first-hand features for crime prevention, monitoring and disaster prevention.
[About Alps Alpine]
Alps Alpine aims to be a sustainable value-creating corporate group continually contributing to people’s lives through electronics and communication in three business segments: Components, Sensors and Communication, and Modules and Systems. Alps Alpine products and services tend to the needs of customers in many different sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices and game markets. The company also looks to break ground and expand its horizons in new application domains, such as industrial equipment and the Internet of Things.
[About FreeBit]
FreeBit’s corporate philosophy is to contribute to society by expanding the Internet. The company combines patented technologies and other cutting-edge expertise with a marketing approach anticipating market needs to provide original services and generate new fundamental value for the 5G age.
[Media Inquiries]
Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.
IR Section, Corporate Communication
TEL: +81-3-3726-1211
Mail:alpsalpine-pr@alpsalpine.com
FreeBit Co., Ltd.
TEL: +81-3-6416-1965
Mail:press@freebit.net