WiMedia UWB ceases operation
It seemed a match made in heaven: Bluetooth needed higher speed to expand its application footprint, and the UWB technology needed upper layer protocols (and applications). Sadly, I’ve watched in past months as the hardware vendors have pulled out including the giant Intel.
In the most recent issue of Incisor’s monthly publication (click here) an article pointed out the lack of progress and highlighted the SIG’s decision to move forward with 802.11 PHY work. It made some question of its future while, in the same issue, the WiMedia leader made rather bullish remarks.
Well, rumors of its demise were not premature. The SIG announced today that the WiMedia Alliance is ceasing operations and transferring its work to the Bluetooth SIG. See the article here.
Dear Bill,The WiMedia Alliance publicly announced today that it is ceasing operations. The Alliance is transferring the current drafts of its Ultra-Wideband (UWB) specifications to the Wireless USB Promoter Group, the USB Implementers Forum, and the Bluetooth SIG.If the WiMedia Alliance membership agrees to contribute the specifications to the Bluetooth SIG, then the Bluetooth SIG will commence a full evaluation of market and development opportunities for the specification. Contribution agreements will be sent to the WiMedia Alliance membership for signature. Until such time that the agreements are executed, the specifications will be archived.Additional information about the contribution, including a Q&A document, is available via http://www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/Technology/Technology_Transfer/.Sincerely, Michael Foley, Ph.D Executive Director