Qualcomm Innovators introduces the first generation of Wi-Fi wireless display connectivity solutions

     Qualcomm Atheros, Qualcomm's networking and connectivity technology subsidiary, announced the launch of the first generation of Wi-Fi wireless display peer-to-peer solutions. The technology is Qualcomm's first solution and will form the basis for a new generation of interoperable consumer electronics, allowing users to easily share content between devices without requiring an Internet connection, network or access point.

     Wi-Fi Wireless Display, an industry standard developed by members of the Wi-Fi Alliance, enables screen images or audio content from one device to be shared with other nearby devices at the same time, including easy and secure device search and pairing capabilities. For example, a user can share a Web page that appears on a computer screen to a nearby TV screen that supports this feature. There is also the ability to share content from a smartphone screen to a nearby media tablet, which is also a common use case. Wi-Fi wireless display technology uses the industry-renowned Wi-Fi Direct technology to achieve direct, peer-to-peer wireless connectivity.

     Wi-Fi wireless displays are particularly suitable for smartphones and tablets, allowing users to view content on nearby consumer electronics with large screens. Wi-Fi wireless display technology provides up to 24 non-overlapping channels in the 5 GHz wireless band (or three non-overlapping channels in the 2.4 GHz band), providing less intrusive transmission when playing delay-sensitive media content. Wi-Fi Direct technology is the foundation of Qualcomm's Wi-Fi wireless display technology and makes the technology easy to operate and use. Its specifications use the latest Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) security mechanism to protect data, while providing an efficient, industry-supported content protection mechanism for users to securely share content between devices. Users can simply use a device certified with Wi-Fi wireless display technology, eliminating cumbersome cable connections.

     Gary Szilagyi, vice president and general manager of Qualcomm's Consumer Electronics business group, said: "Wi-Fi wireless display devices make it easier to share audio and video content between devices. The device can share audio and video content over a wireless network, avoiding messy cable connections, and users can easily watch content while lying on the sofa. The emergence of these new Wi-Fi wireless display solutions will encourage manufacturers to continue developing a new generation of compatible devices that can operate with each other, making device connectivity simpler and content sharing easier."

     Szilagyi further added: "More than just a point-of-care solution, Qualcomm Innovators will adopt this emerging industry standard across a full range of products, continuing to expand a more complete connectivity ecosystem that includes smartphones, tablets, computers and consumer electronics."

     The initial solution will support Android Ice Cream Sandwich, as well as Windows 7 and 8 operating systems, with prototypes available in the first half of 2012 and certification of Wi-Fi wireless display technology for end products beginning in the second quarter of 2012, following the establishment of the industry certification program. At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Qualcomm Innovation publicly demonstrated its Wi-Fi wireless display technology at the Qualcomm booth.