New Wireless USB 1.1 Standard Makes It Easier to Pair Devices

The USB Implementers Forum has announced the Wireless USB 1.1 standard, which will now make it easier for consumers to pair and connect wireless USB devices together. The standard now supports near-field communication (NFC) and proximity sensing to pair and connect devices, so that owners can bring two devices closely together to begin the pairing process. Other features of the Wireless USB 1.1 protocol include lower power consumption, faster data transfer, and utilization of higher frequency ranges. Adoption of wireless USB has so far been limited, with only a handful of hardware supporting the protocol out of the box. For most consumers, a wireless hub accessory is required to get in on the wireless USB action.