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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
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7

Kiss Your Wireless Router Goodbye

New WiFi Direct would eliminate need for hotspots

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(Newser) – If setting up a wireless router just sounds a little too daunting, new technology looks to make unplugging a lot easier. WiFi Direct, slated to roll out in the middle of next year, will turn every device enabled with it into a miniature access point, able to create connections with broadband modems and other WiFi enabled gadgets, BusinessWeek reports.

The technology is the work of the WiFi Alliance, an industry group including more than 300 makers of wireless equipment, including Intel, Apple, and Cisco. Consumers won’t even have to buy new gadgets; most existing WiFi devices will be able upgrade with a simple software download. The alliance expects WiFi Direct to prompt a glut of new WiFi-enabled products, like TVs, camcorders and more.

A shopper looks at two new second generation Apple iPod Touches at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif. Apple is among the companies introducing WiFi Direct to its products.
A shopper looks at two new second generation Apple iPod Touches at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif. Apple is among the companies introducing WiFi Direct to its products.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
Thanks to WiFi Direct, all your devices will act like hotspots.
Thanks to WiFi Direct, all your devices will act like hotspots.   (Marlene Karas/AP Images/Clearwire)
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7 comments
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dontlikenobody
Oct 14, 09 4:02 PM CDT
I'm ready. Reply
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+3
divetrader
Oct 14, 09 4:11 PM CDT
What do you want to bet the app you download isn't free??? Reply
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alkaseltzersammich
Oct 14, 09 4:19 PM CDT
Seems like it would be worth the costs... if the cost is reasonable. Personally, when I leave the house to do something I really don't care to use the internet. But to each his own i guess.
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+1
BeatBlaster
Oct 14, 09 4:28 PM CDT
Hey what do you know? Hacking just got way easier! Besides that, why would I want to share my bandwidth with others? It sounds like a neat concept but I'll pass. Reply
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+1
Morgen
Oct 14, 09 5:32 PM CDT
Anyone else play Shadowrun and creeped out by how close we're getting to that world? Reply
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