Oct/Nov 2006

After Bluetooth and ZigBee, you probably thought every possible requirement had been covered in terms of devices communicating wirelessly with each other over short distances. If so, think again, and welcome Wibree.

It's a new technology from Nokia, and it's being described as "open", though the full specification has not yet been published. But it is already supported by a handful of other participating organisations including Broadcom Corporation, CSR, Epson and Nordic Semiconductor.

Wibree uses the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as other existing technologies such as Bluetooth, and in fact Nokia is emphasising that the two can co-exist in devices such as mobile phones. They are not interoperable, although Nokia is talking about developing a dual-mode chip that could work with both standards. Wibree has a physical layer bit rate of 1 Mbps, and is said to work over distances of 5 to 10 meters.

The big appeal is that Wibree is reportedly uses only a tenth of the power of Bluetooth. It is also said to be able to transmit variable-length messages, unlike Bluetooth's fixed-length messages, which presumably helps reduce the power requirement.

 

Nokia says example applications could involve connectivity between mobile devices or personal computers and small, button-cell battery-power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors.

Industry observers have greeted the launch with interest but some bemusement, recognising the appeal of the low power requirement, but uncertain whether another new standard can compete with established and widely-used rivals - especially when a single supplier has had such strong involvement in its development.