The ultrawideband (UWB) standard groups WiMedia Alliance will disband: The group is spinning off its technology to the Bluetooth SIG and the USB Implementers Forum, and then, in its words, "cease operations."
The state of UWB has gotten progressively worse over the last year with the shuttering of several firms, most recently Tzero, which ceased most day-to-day operations without formally closing up shop.
UWB's original promise was for extremely fast, extremely simple short-range networking connections as a UWB cable replacement and enhancement for synchronization among gadgets and handsets. Despite years of "almost there" product introductions, no UWB aspect--whether video, PAN, wireless USB, or more exotic uses--has taken root.
UWB isn't down and out, but without a trade group behind it, the notion of it becoming an industry standard instead of something used for niche purposes seems highly unlikely. The WiMedia Alliance still believes in the promise of UWB, and says that decreased chip costs and other factors should allow UWB technology to take its place at last.
‘American Idol’ selects 3 more finalists
(AP)
Hey, What Happened to Those Other Sites?
Atom Feed (xml)