Paving the way for context-aware services
The past few years have seen several advances in wireless technology with things like beamforming, faster 802.11ac routers, and the such. Not resting on its laurels, the Wi-Fi Alliance is keeping the good times rolling by announcing a new certification program for a technology called Wi-Fi Aware.
What is Wi-Fi Aware?
"Wi-Fi Aware makes contextual awareness more immediate and useful, enabling personalized applications that continuously scan surroundings, anticipate actions, and notify of services and selected preferences," the Wi-Fi Alliance explains. "Wi-Fi’s widespread implementation in mobile devices offers potential for vendors, operating system (OS) developers, and application makers to create innovative services based on proximity."
Put in more simple terms, Wi-Fi Aware is a contextual awareness technology that allows for compatible Wi-Fi devices to detect and communicate with other devices and apps, even without a cellular, Wi-Fi, or GPS connection.
There are several nifty scenarios where this could come into play. One such example is if you're riding a train or bus and playing a mobile game. Using Wi-Fi Aware technology, the game could look for other users who are nearby for multiplayer action.
Wi-Fi Aware continually looks for nearby devices and apps before making a connection. It even works in crowded environments -- maybe you're attending a concert and would like to share photos with others in attendance. Or you could be in an art museum and have exhibits beam information to your mobile device.
It sounds like a power drain, though the Wi-Fi Alliance insists that Wi-Fi Aware is an energy-efficient technology. Hopefully we'll find out soon, as vendors have already begun to certify Wi-Fi Aware technology for next-generation mobile devices.
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