AT&T Connection Kit marries Bug Labs with 3G, whatever crazy gizmo you dream up

Creative spirits that know their way around an Eclipse project (and, optionally, a soldering iron) but have a deeply-rooted hatred for CDMA will be happy to know that the tinkerers at Bug Labs have announced a new partnership with AT&T, its second with a US carrier after teaming up with Verizon a few weeks back. The core of the program is the new BUG + 3G / GSM kit, featuring per-certified Bug modules ready to work on AT&T's network; that package will in turn build on top of AT&T's existing Connection Kit for developers that includes activated data SIMs and other tools you'll need to build the next great connected device that Engadget will inevitably write about... and hopefully review. So, you know, make sure we're on your list for review units, alright, everyone? It looks like the new modules will be available in January, so start working on those million-dollar ideas -- in the meantime, you can find the full press release after the break.

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AT&T and Bug Labs Arm Device Developers With New Wireless Product Development Platform

Integrated system designed to save developers time and money using the GSM world standard-exclusively with AT&T

DALLAS, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Bug Labs, an award-winning open hardware development platform, today announced plans to launch BUG + 3G/GSM, a plug-and-play electronic tool kit that puts network ready wireless modules in the hands of emerging device product developers for a speedier, more cost-efficient path to commercial launch on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

The BUG platform -- accessible through AT&T Emerging Devices -- offers a new, innovative approach to device innovation, providing developers with easy access to a full complement of FCC and AT&T certified 3G wireless modules, reducing the need for extended and costly testing and certification during the initial deployment phase. Some additional testing may be required if changes are made in volume production.

In addition to unprecedented hardware configurability, developers can collect, share and control the data coming from networked BUGs using the new BUGswarm web application, now fully integrated with the AT&T Control Center, powered by Jasper Wireless.

"With Bug Labs, developers now have the ability to test and trial their products in the sandbox while they are in the nascent stages of development," said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we're eliminating the certification barriers that have kept some developers from jumping into the game. We're encouraging product developers to bring the next generation of new and exciting products to market as soon as possible."

Products with Bug Labs modules must secure final certification on the AT&T network.

"Together with AT&T, we're inspiring developers around the world to tap into their creativity," said Peter Semmelhack, founder and chief executive officer of Bug Labs. "By leveraging our open product development program, product developers can build, deploy, produce and certify wireless devices at a practical, faster rate."

The addition of Bug Labs builds on the existing AT&T Connection Kit for Device Developer program available through the dedicated AT&T emerging devices web site. The Connection Kit also includes AT&T SIM cards, data capacity for testing, access to AT&T Control Center, powered by Jasper Wireless and best practice guidelines. To learn more about AT&T's Emerging Devices Organization or to see the additional Connection Kit options, please visit AT&T Emerging Devices.

For more information about Bug Labs visit the Bug Labs Web site.

Also, view a video on the Bug.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at the AT&T Web Site. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at AT&T Newsroom, and as part of an RSS feed at AT&T RSS Feed. Or follow our news on Twitter @ATT. Find us on Facebook at the AT&T Facebook to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at AT&T Small Business Facebook to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Bug Labs

Bug Labs is a new kind of technology company dedicated to helping engineers and developers conceive of, create and deploy new devices with ease. The company's flagship offering, the BUG platform, winner of the CNET's Best of CES 2008 award, is an open-sourced hardware + software platform comprised of a series of modules that can be combined with a 'click' to create new wireless devices. The core of the platform is the BUGbase, a powerful palm-sized, ARM-based computer with embedded WiFi and Bluetooth, that can be outfitted with a number of modules, including sensors, i/o adapters, GPS, LCD screens, camera, motion detectors and more, to create a wide variety of instantly deployable devices. Bug Labs also provides BUGswarm, a device visualization tool used to organize and administer groups of networked BUGs. Bug Labs offers a full range of professional services for custom development and production. To learn more about Bug Labs, please visit the Bug Labs Web site.