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Newly Launched Wi-Fi Aware Promises Better Proximity-based Service Discovery

Newly Launched Wi-Fi Aware Promises Better Proximity-based Service Discovery Image Credit: WiFi Alliance

With the new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Aware, a new certification program from Wi-Fi Alliance, smartphones and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices can first discover other devices, applications, and information nearby - before making a Wi-Fi connection. The proximity-based service discovery makes contextual awareness more immediate and useful, enabling personalized applications that continuously scan surroundings, anticipate actions, and notify users of services and selected preferences.

According to WiFi Alliance, the new Wi-Fi Aware program aims to improve on existing proximity offerings by delivering a truly here-and-now contextual awareness solution that works well indoors and in dense environments, without requiring a cellular, Wi-Fi, or GPS connection. The technology provides an easy on-ramp for a high-performance Wi-Fi connection and works at typical Wi-Fi range.

Wi-Fi Aware devices go through a unique process of discovery and synchronization, establishing a common “heartbeat” via a two-way conversation among devices.

Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance
Wi-Fi Aware exemplifies the continued innovation in our industry and our commitment to a terrific Wi-Fi user experience. Wi-Fi Aware makes that user experience even richer by delivering immediate, dynamic awareness of the user’s environment.

Rich Karpinski, principal analyst at 451 Research
The future of mobile applications is being driven by a more location-based, context-aware, and personalized approach. Wi-Fi Aware has the potential to put Wi-Fi at the forefront of those experiences, enabling social and local applications to come to life because users discover what’s nearby in real time, accessing the experiences they want – when and where they want them.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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