July 29, 2014 – CSR ( http://www.csr.com ), a global provider of innovative semiconductor ICs and software solutions in the fields of location awareness, multimedia, and cloud connectivity, announced today the release of a CSRmesh development kit that allows related developers to learn the recently launched CSRmesh Bluetooth Smart protocol.

The CSRmesh™ Development Kit, available for purchase through designated CSR distributors starting this July, consists of a software development kit (SDK) that includes a development board, a USB to SPI converter (for debugging and application downloading), and sample applications to facilitate the development of new low-power connected Internet of Things products.

The SDK is initially provided with software that supports lighting applications based on the BT Smart Mesh network, and later this year, updates for home automation and IoT applications based on CSRmesh will also be provided.

The CSRmesh protocol, featuring innovative technology, was launched earlier this year. The CSRmesh protocol is the industry's first new technology that enables the control of a nearly unlimited number of Bluetooth Smart devices via smartphones, tablet PCs, and computers, as well as the configuration of a mesh network between all devices, and is only available on CSR BT Smart products.

CSRmesh is a solution that integrates the configuration and control protocols of Bluetooth Smart devices, such as CSR’s industry-proven CSR101x™ product family, and is already being provided to smart lighting solutions of leading lighting manufacturers and is set for launch.

Rick Walker, General Marketing Manager for the Internet of Things at CSR, stated, “As the Internet of Things, which once existed only as a concept, becomes a reality, Bluetooth Smart solutions are being used critically for the practical commercialization of more products.” He added, “With the launch of the CSRmesh development kit, we provide the necessary tools for developers to leverage the numerous opportunities that the Internet of Things can bring and to innovate. We are supporting developers so that they can easily develop network-connected devices and bring them to market in the shortest possible time.”

The CSRmesh protocol utilizes Bluetooth Smart capabilities to send messages to other Bluetooth Smart devices on a network, and the receiving device then forwards the message. Using this messaging method, control can be performed on a single device or a group, and each device can belong to one or more groups. It supports control from common Bluetooth Smart devices, such as light switches and control panels, as well as the latest smartphones that support the Bluetooth Smart standard.

Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of the Business Group at CSR, emphasized, “From shipping the first single-chip Bluetooth device 15 years ago to launching the CSRmesh solution this year, CSR has continuously pursued innovation and maintained its position as a leader in the Bluetooth market,” adding, “One of our key strategies is to support developers in more easily leveraging CSR’s innovation and technology through the CSRmesh development kit to develop groundbreaking next-generation IoT devices.”

The CSRmesh development kit consists of three CSRmesh Bluetooth Smart development boards, a USB to SPI converter, a battery, and an installation guide, and developers can purchase additional CSRmesh development boards for mesh development and test expansion.