A host of technology providers is hoping to cash in on the
burgeoning wireless consumer electronics market this week.
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the likes of Microsoft
, HP
, Intel
,
Broadcom and Cisco’s Linksys
are rolling out products and making partnerships aimed at providing consumers with the same
wireless LAN
Many of the products incorporate combinations of 802.11a, b and g
technologies. Linksys and Belkin are even offering some “pre-n”
products, so-called because MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out) is expected to be a major
factor in the future high-speed standard called 802.11n. The technology is expected
to offer three times the range and eight times the throughput of 802.11a, b and g;
but the “n” standard is not expected to be finalized for a couple of years.
Among the other notable announcements this week, Kodak introduced
its first digital camera with a Wi-Fi card for picture transfers to the PC or printer.
The Kodak EasyShare-One ($600) has an optional Wi-Fi
card ($100). The camera comes with a limited free-access contract to
any T-Mobile Hotspot, and customers can upload photos to the Kodak
EasyShare Gallery Web site (formerly known as Ofoto).
Motorola’s new wireless Home Monitoring System includes a wireless
siren, video controller and garage door controller.
Broadcom, HP and Linksys are promoting their SecureEasySetup
technology. The jointly developed project lets customers set up
wireless networks and activate Wi-Fi Protected Access security by
simply pushing a button. Broadcom SecureEasySetup software and 54g
chipsets are powering the push-button technology. Linksys and HP said
they plan to offer the first Wi-Fi products this year.
Ultrawideband (UWB), the high-speed wireless technology, is also on
display this week. Companies like Asus, D-Link, HP, NEC and Texas
Instruments are scheduled to demonstrate a new development kit in
various forms. UWB chipset manufacturer Wisair is highlighting the
technology as part of this week’s Multi-Band OFDM Alliance (MBOA)
presentation.