So today the internet is all talking about Wifi Direct, so I figured it was News Worthy to bring over here. Let's be honest ... This technology is HOT. Let's take a look at it.

Here's a video of it being mentioned on The Feed:

The Wi-Fi Alliance, along with everyone else in the industry, knows this. That's why it formed a task group to create a new breed of P2P Wi-Ficonnection. On Wednesday, the Wi-Fi Alliance formally announced Wi-Fi Direct, a revamped ad-hoc protocol for allowing devices to talk to one another directly. It's an optional specification that will begin to appear in products next year.

In theory, it takes personal area networks (PANs) from short distances using cables or Bluetooth to full Wi-Fi range and speed.

The gist of Wi-Fi Direct is this: forget using a router or access point (AP). Instead, Wi-Fi clients like computers, phones, printers, projectors, etc., will all talk to each other directly. One of them will have what's called a software-based access point or "soft AP" inside so it can act as a group owner for those connections. Uses could include, for example, a digital picture frame that lets all Wi-Fi equipped cameras connect to upload pictures, printers that let all laptops or phones connect for quick printing, or game systems that connect directly for head-to-head battles. The Alliance even sees it taking the place of Bluetooth and proprietary wireless for connecting keyboards and mice and headphones.

Wi-Fi Direct will take its cue from another Alliance-run spec, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which has a push-button, or PIN code-based, quick setup. New systems and equipment might get that, but what will it take for old computers, even the antique 802.11b spec, to make these new P2P connections? Nothing. A Wi-Fi Direct group owner will portray itself to older Wi-Fi devices as if it were any other AP on the network.

SALES EROSION POSSIBLE

The new technology, called Wi-Fi Direct, will be built directly into consumer electronics and automatically scan the vicinity for existing hotspots and the gamut of Wi-Fi equipped devices, including phones, computers, TVs, and gaming consoles. Owners of most existing Wi-Fi-enabled devices will be able to upgrade to Wi-Fi Direct with a simple software download.

While the revamp may make life easier for consumers and business owners, it may erode sales of other Wi-Fi compatible equipment. For starters, Wi-Fi Direct may curb demand for routers and other products that make up the $1 billion annual market for Wi-Fi access points, now present in about 30% of U.S. homes. "The IT department doesn't have to set up an access point," says Victoria Fodale, a senior analyst at In-Stat. "Same thing in the home. You can do the same thing with less equipment." Cisco and Netgear (NTGR) are among the biggest sellers of Wi-Fi equipment.

The feature also could disrupt usage of wireless Bluetooth technology that, for example, helps users of the Apple iPhone play games with each other outside a wireless network. In the future, some consumers may use Wi-Fi Direct instead. Though Wi-Fi connectivity tends to drain battery life faster than Bluetooth, it's also faster and allows for transfer of richer multimedia content like video.