As if we didn't already have enough wireless technologies competing for our attention (and cash), a consortium of some of the industry's biggest names is clubbing together to add a couple more to the mix.
Fifteen Japanese firms, including NEC, Toshiba and NTT DoCoMo, are working with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on both a faster wireless data conduit and wireless power transmission.
High-def video
The data link is planned to be in the gigabit class, or around 50 times faster than current Wi-Fi implementations. The companies see it as necessary for getting high-definition video from receivers to screens.
More surprising, perhaps, is the group's plan to untangle the nest of power cables behind most home-entertainment systems.
Medium-range power
Instead of direct connections to AC sockets, the researchers are aiming for a wireless power module that can send and receive current across up to two metres.
Clearly, if the scheme bears fruit by the planned 2015 deadline, we could be looking at very different-looking living rooms within a few years.
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jimspaulding
February 14th
2. Tesla would have loved to live to see this day. I am very glad to see the current advances in generation and distribution beginning to go mainstream.
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jmace86
February 14th
1. 2015?
It sounds so far away, but I suppose it is only 6 years...
I wish it was sooner though, I would pay good money to not have to deal with wires ever again!
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