i-BLADES and Bosch Sensortec showcase world’s first Smartcase Platform

i-BLADES, Inc., and Bosch Sensortec announced a partnership to accelerate the deployment of sensor technology to smartphone users. Bosch Sensortec will integrate its BME680 integrated environmental sensor into the i-BLADES Smartcase Platform. By leveraging the i-BLADES Platform, Bosch Sensortec environmental sensors can be rapidly deployed to millions of existing smartphones in use today, capitalizing on the ubiquitous use of phone cases with smartphones.

The Bosch BME680 is an integrated environmental sensor of 3x3mm² that gives consumers instant and high precision feedback on ambient temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and indoor air quality. With the built-in BME680 sensor the i-BLADES Smartcase enables users to proactively manage wellness, vitality and comfort through their smartphone screen – all with minimal battery power consumption while delivering reliable accuracy compared to sensors integrated directly within smartphones.

“By leveraging the i-BLADES Smartcase Platform, we at Bosch Sensortec can accelerate market deployment of our sensors and can collect market and usage data faster and in a diversity of smartphone solutions,” said Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. “This product is a perfect example that can benefit from our highly integrated environmental sensor solution.”

When a smartphone is inserted into the i-BLADES Smartcase, the Smartcase becomes a dynamic expansion platform enabling new functionality, such as sensors, battery packs, memory, security features and more, to be added to the smartphone. The i-BLADES Smartcase Platform offers unlimited functional expansion possibilities, making it the most technically advanced smartphone case available in the $8 billion global smartphone case market.

At CES, i-BLADES and Bosch Sensortec are showcasing the BME680 integrated environmental sensor in the i-BLADES Smartcase, which provides accurate environmental data required for many IoT applications, such as smart home, smart transportation, and sport/fitness/wellness applications. It also creates a foundation to build new solutions addressing emerging market needs for worksite safety, environmental improvement and smart home IoT advancement –all achieved through a stylish and compact Smartcase that protects users’ smartphones.

MEMS sensors and IoT solution providers can use the Smartcase as a powerful mobile platform alongside traditional smartphone manufacturers’ platforms. The short development cycles of Smartcases and their scalability across the smartphone market help accelerate market deployment and consumer adoption of sensor-based and IoT technologies.

“The addition of Bosch Sensortec environmental sensor technology in our Smartcase exemplifies the potential of the i-BLADES Platform to deliver new and exciting functional enhancements to users’ smartphones,” said Jorge Fernandes, CEO of i-BLADES. “Our partnership with Bosch Sensortec will bring to users new technologies and compelling experiences faster and more cost-effectively—for both our development partners and consumers—than ever before.”