WiGig Alliance

Efforts to solidify very high-speed, short-range wireless gained steam today with the creation of the WiGig Alliance (site active soon). The organization is meant to produce a common standard for sending data over a 60GHz link and to streamline developing computers, handheld devices and home theater equipment that can use the wireless link. The ultra wideband technology is fast enough to run about 10 times as quickly as an 802.11n connection -- effectively, 1Gbps -- and has the headroom to not just stream HD video but also to allow for previously impossible features like fast wireless displays and syncing entirely over the wireless connection.

The initial roster of supporters includes chip makers like Atheros, Broadcom, Intel and Marvell as well as larger electronics and PC makers such as Dell, LG, NEC, Panasonic and Samsung. Microsoft and a handful of other firms are also involved.

A completed specification should be available in the fall. When products based on the WiGig standard will ship isn't specified but is most likely for 2010.

By Electronista Staff