Intel dumps ultra-wideband development

Posted on Saturday, November 08 2008 @ 1:50 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

Electronista reports Intel has cancelled its five-year old internal development of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology last month as it figured out it would be cheaper to use parts from other firms than to develop its own.

The cancellation of this project and the bankruptcy of WiQuest means we'll probably see very little off the Wireless USB standard:

"It was a typical make-versus-buy decision," says Intel technology strategist Stephen Wood. However, the move comes as key third-party UWB booster WiQuest was forced to shut down on Friday and reduced Intel's options for third-party equipment.

Intel's shift away from UWB casts doubts on the future of wireless peripheral standards such as Wireless USB, which depend on UWB to provide performance closer to wired USB at distances as far as 30 feet. To date, the short-range standard has had relatively little support in the industry that has chiefly been limited to notebooks from a few manufacturers, such as Dell and Lenovo, as well as Wireless USB adapters and hubs from accessory makers like Belkin.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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