The wireless standard dubbed WiGig is set to launch in products in 2013, enabling users to connect all mobile and desktop devices without wires.
The Wireless Gigabit Alliance formed in 2009 to create the WiGig standard, which will run over the 60GHz spectrum to avoid interference from more commonly used Wi-Fi or mobile frequency bands.
WiGig uses a docking station on a desk and connects to mobiles and tablets, hard drives and computer screens over the frequency. With all devices connecting wirelessly into one basestation, a user can sync all their devices together by placing them next to one another, rather than plugging in HDMI cables or an equivalent.
The president of the Alliance, Ali Sadri, demonstrated the technology at this week’s Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco. Sadri suggested a number of ways the standard could be used in an office, from group working to file-sharing.
Sadri also claimed ramped-up wireless technology would remove the need for connectors into laptops or other devices. This would mean manufacturers could build them thinner than they are today.
“If we can remove all connectors, we can shrink the back of ultrabooks and make an even sleeker, sexier laptop,” Sadri said.
“No wires, and soon no connectors, is the best thing that could happen. I look forward to that day.”
With the higher frequency and the lack of interference, Sadri said WiGig could achieve speeds of over 5Gbps, making it capable of data-heavy processes such as video streaming or synchronisation.
The Wireless Gigabit Alliance comprises a board including Cisco, Dell, Huawei, Microsoft and Samsung and contributors such as ZTE and Texas Instruments. The alliance has put the WiGig standard through two testing phases so far and plans another two for the end of 2012 and early 2013.
It hopes by the middle of 2013 to run its certification programme. If this completes on time, Sadri said compatible products could be shipping in months.
