Stay wired a little longer: UWB hits a roadblock

With mobile and wireless technologies growing and the public asking for more the eventual transition to ultra wide-band (UWB) seemed obvious. Recent setbacks may hinder UWB from becoming a standard anytime soon.

UWB is technology that allows for the wireless connection of a variety of devices. Everything from wireless monitors to wireless communication between digital cameras and printers, even transferring data from digital camcorders can be done. It is made possible due to the high data transfer rates capable with UWB.

UWB chip makers like Intel, Focus Semiconductor, and WiQuest have either shut their doors or stopped their programs in 2008. A total of 4 companies stopped manufacturing chips for some reason or another.

Additional problems plaguing UWB technology from advancing have been issues with regulations (some of which have been resolved), PC’s are still dominating as the main UWB enabled device, and the fact that aftermarket items and not directly enabled devices made up the whole of the UWB peripheral sales in 2008.

Source: [Press Release]