Popular Science Recognizes Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct

Less than one month after the Wi-Fi Alliance® launched Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct, the technology behind this new certification program has been recognized by Popular Science magazine with the Best of What's New 2010 Award.

Each year, the editors search for breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant leap in their categories, for this award.

"We are proud to have been awarded the Best of What's New 2010 designation from Popular Science," said Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "Wi-Fi Direct is industry-shifting innovation and it's already spurring the introduction of a new wave of connectable devices. We're excited to see the technological advancements that will come from this program."

The high tech industry is buzzing about the launch of Wi-Fi Direct certification and the reliable, security-protected connections the underlying technology enables for device-to-device applications, according to the Alliance press release.

"We designed Wi-Fi Direct to enable devices to connect and share, sync, print and play – when, where and how users want," said Davis-Felner. "Wi-Fi Direct certification means that people will get a terrific connectivity experience, regardless of product brand."

Consumer product vendors have already begun to certify Wi-Fi Direct products. Two smartphones and multiple reference designs have received Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct designation to date.

The Wi-Fi Direct certification program is based on the Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer technology specification collaboratively developed by silicon and device vendors within the Wi-Fi Alliance. Connections based on the underlying specification will work at typical Wi-Fi speeds and range, protected by WPA2™ certified security protocols.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology across devices and market segments..

The Wi-Fi Certified™ program was launched in March 2000. It provides a widely-recognized designation of interoperability and quality, and it helps to ensure that Wi-Fi enabled products deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 8,000 product certifications to date, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets.

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