Qualcomm Atheros intros first generation of Wi-Fi display-enabled connectivity solutions

LAS VEGAS, USA: Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., announced the availability of its first generation of Wi-Fi Display-enabled peer-to-peer connectivity solutions. This first set of Qualcomm Atheros' solutions will serve as the foundation for a new generation of interoperable consumer electronics that allow users to easily share content from device to device without the need for an Internet connection, network or access point.

Wi-Fi Display is an industry standard devised by members of the Wi-Fi Alliance that enables sharing of the screen image or audio content of one device simultaneously on another nearby device, including simple and secure device discovery and pairing. For example, the Web page appearing on a computer screen can be shared on the screen of a nearby enabled TV. A typical use case could enable content on one smartphone screen to be shared with a nearby media tablet. The technology underlying Wi-Fi Display allows a direct, peer-to-peer wireless connection known in the industry as Wi-Fi Direct.

The implementation of Wi-Fi Display will be particularly useful for devices like smartphones and tablets, allowing users to consume content on nearby consumer electronics with larger screens. Wi-Fi Display technology leverages the 5 GHz wireless band, which offers up to 24 non-overlapping channels (or the 2.4 GHz band, which offers three non-overlapping channels) for relatively interference-free transmission of latency-sensitive media content.

Wi-Fi Direct technology is the foundation for the Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi Display implementation, making Wi-Fi Display easy to enable and use. The specification keeps data safe and secure by using the latest Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) security mechanisms and provides effective, industry-supported content protection mechanisms that free consumers to share content securely between devices. Wi-Fi Display certified devices also eliminate the need for consumers to use cumbersome cables.

"Wi-Fi Display-enabled devices will make sharing video and audio content from device-to-device easier than ever," said Gary Szilagyi, VP and GM, consumer electronics group, Qualcomm Atheros. "Allowing devices to connect and share video and audio content wirelessly eliminates the need for messy cables and allows for viewing from the comfort of your sofa. These new Wi-Fi Display-enabled solutions will encourage manufacturers to create a new generation of interoperable and compatible devices that make for friendlier device connectivity and easy content sharing."

Szilagyi continued: "This is not a point solution. By implementing this emerging industry standard in products across its portfolio, Qualcomm Atheros will continue to foster a complete connectivity ecosystem for mobile smartphones, tablets, computers and consumer electronics."

Initial solutions will support Android Ice Cream Sandwich, as well as Windows 7 and 8 operating systems, and will sample in the first half of 2012 to support end products that can be certified for Wi-Fi Display when the industry certification program commences in the second quarter of 2012.