UPnP Forum Unveils UPnP+ at IBC 2014

Amsterdam – 11 September 2014: UPnP Forum, the global standards group which is responsible for the seamless connectivity between billions of home devices, will introduce its new UPnP+ initiative at this year’s IBC conference and exhibition, which starts today. The Forum’s new UPnP+ certification level uses new and existing UPnP device control protocols (DCPs) and UPnP Cloud architecture to provide features focused on delivering new technical capabilities for enhanced functionality and increased customer satisfaction in today’s ever-changing market of always-on connectivity.

UPnP+ is an evolution of previous UPnP capabilities that will assist devices attempting to integrate new paradigms, such as mobile connected computing, Cloud-based service delivery, Smartphone content sharing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). UPnP+ supports the implementation of web browser controls for a wide range of functions, ensuring future connectivity and making new services possible, in areas such as health and fitness, energy management, security and sustainability.

Scott Lofgren, President of UPnP Forum, said: “UPnP certification has been a prerequisite for several other consortia certifications for more than a dozen years. With the launch of our new UPnP+ certification program we are taking a step forward to address tomorrow’s connectivity requirements, removing boundaries and enabling full device and network compatibility.”

The Forum’s UPnP+ certification level accommodates Cloud developments and bridges distinct protocols, providing a solid, future-proof basis for the integration of Cloud content and services. UPnP core technology provides a base for IoT, creating bridges to both wide-area networks and non-IP devices. The Forum has already produced DCPs for lights, thermostats, automatic blinds and security cameras, and is now developing support for new IoT devices, specifically those with constrained resources.

“Entirely new domains, introduced as a result of the rise of the Internet of Things and Cloud computing are now enabled with UPnP+. With the new UPnP+ certification level, we are leveraging existing UPnP protocols, taking them into the Cloud to bridge the IoT while continuing to support legacy UPnP devices…something consumers and the industry want!,” added Lofgren.

UPnP Forum is exhibiting at this year’s IBC (12-16 September, Hall 14, stand L17) and will demonstrate UPnP+ capabilities using sensor management control over a Cloud network. Using equipment from member companies including AwoX’s StriimLIGHT WiFi, TP Vision’s television, AV speakers from Pure Networks and a cloud capable light from Comarch, UPnP Forum will show how UPnP can integrate devices into the IoT. The demo will be included in the Content Everywhere hub demo presentations at 11:30am on Sunday, 14 September in Hall 14. For all media enquiries, or to arrange a meeting at IBC, please contact Dana Hare at dana.hare@proactive-pr.com or call +44 1636 812152.

For further information about UPnP Forum please visit www.upnp.org/, follow on Twitter @UPnP Forum or join the Forum’s Facebook community.