Wi-Fi Alliance's Wireless Predictions and Projects for 2012
The Wi-Fi Alliance is preparing for a year of wireless innovations.
With shipment of W-Fi devices reaching nearly 1.1 billion in 2011, the organization responsible for promoting and standardizing wireless technology—the Wi-Fi Alliance, is busier than ever.
Member companies of the Wi-Fi Alliance are developing new additions to Wi-Fi capabilities that include a new certification for Wi-Fi display applications making it easier to share media content between devices without need for a traditional Wi-Fi network. In addition, Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability programs for 60 GHz (802.11ad ) and Very High Throughput (802.11ac) are in development. Finally, the Wi-Fi Alliance will launch Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint in 2012. Devices with this certification will allow users to easily connect to hotpots and improve overall user experience.
Recent research data shows that shipment of wi-fi devices is expected to double by 2015. Growth in home wireless networking devices—including TVs, media players and gaming consoles is anticipated to reach 35 percent from 2011 to 2016. Other predictions:
- Wi-Fi is expected to grow 109 percent between 2011-2016 in automotive applications such as infotainment systems, navigation, and traffic monitoring.
- Wi-Fi is expected to grow 39 percent between 2011-2016 in health, fitness, and medical applications.
- Wi-Fi is expected to grow 25 percent between 2011-2016 in smart meters and automation products.
"Each year in our industry is more exciting than the last," said Edgar Figueroa, CEO of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "We continue to enable new use cases for Wi-Fi where it enhances the user experience. The future has never been brighter for Wi-Fi."