Wireless USB rides again
Version 1.1 a close talker
The Wireless USB 1.1 specification – just released by the USB Implementers Forum – promises near-field communication (NFC) and battery-life improvements.
"Consumers want a fast, easy-to-use solution to wirelessly transfer content from PCs to devices," said USB-IF president and chairman Jeff Ravencraft. He's of the opinion that his organization can satisfy that ardent desire: "Wireless USB 1.1 is the solution supporting robust, high-speed wireless connectivity among devices," he said.
Perhaps, but Wireless USB hasn't exactly set the world on fire since products based on it began appearing commercially in 2007. With the 1.1 spec now finalized, however, Wireless USB champions such as Alereon, Belkin, Netgear, and others will have more to work with.
NFC support, for example, should allow Wireless USB devices to create devices that are "even easier to install and use," according to the USB-IF, since proximity-based association means that all you'll need to do to get devices to communicate will be to snuggle them up to one another.
Battery life of 1.1 devices should improve due to lower idle-power requirements and promised improved power efficiency. Devices built to the spec will also be backward-compatible with Wireless USB devices that are already out in the field.
You can click to download a copy of the Wireless USB Revision 1.1 specification. ®
COMMENTS
Convenience is king
I just can't see anyone wanting to replace the convenience of a single, mostly standardised, cable for data and power, with no data cable, but batteries, chargers, bulk, complexity, yada, yada. USB is the perfect evolution of connection technology.
I'm not surprised Wireless USB has gone nowhere in 3 years.
GJC
At last!
An end to the Sisyphean task of plugging and unplugging USB devices.
Sometimes I have to do this three or four times a day, and then the next day I have to do it all over again (unless I've carelessly left them connected overnight). Now, instead of disconnecting the printer (something I need to do pretty frequently, to avoid wasting bits), I can just pick it up and carry it out of the room.
(Mark you, USB connectors would be much improved if the dickheads who designed them had provided an easy way to tell which way up/round they go.)
Chargers
No problem - you simply fit a charging socket that would accept the plug from one of the new "universal" phone chargers.
You know the ones I mean - they have a small USB plug on them.
Does this mean...
... that with an appropriately large antenna etc. I would be able to ... er .... "back up my data" on the man next door's wireless USB drives?
"Missing secret documents officer? Are you sure you've come to the right address?"
It's the one with the Faraday cage woven into the lining.
