Wi-Fi Aware: New technology will establish instant connections between nearby devices

A internet of things gained a great ally this week. THE Wi-Fi Alliance announcement, a non-profit research association that includes hundreds of major tech companies, announced a new type of Wi-Fi technology, which had been in development for three years.

called Wi-Fi Aware, the new technology allows devices to communicate directly as long as they are in close proximity, without depending data packet or internet connection established. In theory, it is very similar to the solutions of Bluetooth ou NFC, but it works in a much more optimized way.

The novelty takes into account the profile defined by users to transmit and receive data with the devices around. You can select which types of information and which apps are allowed to publish and subscribe to receive the connection.

Os aplicativos are an essential part of the functioning of the technology and will be responsible for sending relevant information. For example, if you are near a store that you usually interact with on Facebook, you will receive a notification. information boards around the city can provide important data, such as a route on the map. Museums can use technology to give details about a work. The possibilities are endless.

According to Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance announcement, the first apps that support the feature will be released by end of year.

According to the association, Wi-Fi Aware will be running on background constantly, but will perform great when it comes to power consumption. energy, better than traditional Wi-Fi. But confirmation of this fact must depend on practical tests, when the technology reaches our routers and smartphones.

In addition to adapting the applications, it is necessary that the hardware also be compatible. The first chips certified with the technology are:

• Broadcom BCM4358;
• Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260;
• Marvell Avastar 88W8897 802.11ac low power WiFi combo chip;
• Realtek RTL8812AE 2x2 a/b/g/n/ac MiniCard;

It will take a few years for the technology to see massive adoption, but the potential for advancing the internet of things it's immense.

What did you think of the news?