Bluetooth SIG: Wi-Fi Direct Bad For ConsumersBluetooth SIG: Wi-Fi Direct Bad For Consumers

Last week, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced work on a new specification that will allow devices to connect directly to one another without the need for wires. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has taken the time to respond, and the message is one of caution.Mike Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, recently penned a blog post in response to the Wi-Fi Alliance's announcement of Wi-Fi Direct. But first, some background.

The Bluetooth SIG adopted the Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (high speed) specification back in April. Bluetooth 3.0 + HS vastly increases data speeds. In devices that have both Bluetooth 3.0+HS and 802.11 on board, the new spec will pair the devices via Bluetooth, and then transfer data wirelessly via 802.11 at a rate of up to 24Mbps.

This will allow end users to transfer large amounts of data between devices quickly without the need for cables. The new specification also has enhanced power control features to reduce battery drain. When first announced, the Bluetooth SIG said that devices would be ready within nine to 12 months, meaning January to April 2010.

Wi-Fi Direct will work differently, though the Wi-Fi Alliance didn't share too many details about exactly how. What we know is that devices certified Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct will be able to connect with one another at distances of up to 300 feet, and send data back and forth at broadband speeds.

Questions that remain unanswered include, just how will devices pair, how will they transmit data, will profiles be supported, etc.?

The Bluetooth SIG says that Wi-Fi Direct's presence in the market at all is going to result in confusion for consumers.

Foley writes, "The announcement of Wi-Fi Direct, from the Wi-Fi Alliance, has resulted in confusion in the wireless industry. Not too long ago, it was well understood that Wi-Fi was the best technology for wireless LAN and Bluetooth wireless technology was best suited for wireless PAN. However, once 802.11 and Bluetooth radios both started appearing in a single device, such as a mobile phone, the question quickly arose regarding how the 802.11 radio could be leveraged to enhance PAN scenarios. The answer to this question was the Bluetooth v3.0 + HS specification."

Obviously, the Bluetooth SIG has a vested interest in the success of its own technology...as do its technology partners. Foley argues that the lack of profile support within Wi-Fi Direct will lead to all sorts of trouble for end users, as they will be able to connect devices, but then not really do anything once the devices are paired. "A Wi-Fi Direct connection is simply that: a network connection between two devices," noted Foley. "Conversely, two products implementing Bluetooth technology leverage standardized profiles...without requiring additional drivers or software. Simple. Easy. Effective."

Neither Bluetooth 3.0 + HS and Wi-Fi Direct won't see the light of day for months. Bluetooth 3.0 has a bit of a lead, and will likely reach the market sooner. It will be up to the Bluetooth SIG and its myriad partners to convince the mobile device-using public that its solution is the better of the two before Wi-Fi Direct makes its entrance.

A lot will depend on the buy-in from makers of mobile phones, laptops and other networked equipment. A good marketing campaign won't hurt either.

What do you think, which technology will be the champion? Or will they co-exist peacefully?