G2 Microsystems demoes Intel My WiFi Personal Area Network

G2 Microsystems has just announced a rather sweet near-range technology that will enable products like headphones, speakers, etc. to connect directly to Intel My WiFi-enabled laptops sans fuss. The company's device is hailed as a "fully calibrated WiFi networking module" that can speak directly to an Intel My WiFi, Centrino 2-based computer. Ideally, users will eventually be able to quickly print and sync between digiframes and photo archives, and the ultra-low power draw should keep batteries happy. Now, the real question: anyone stepping up to spearhead adoption?

[eggothewaffle @ Jan 9th 2009 10:09AM]

I'll adopt some spearheads.

[Layne @ Jan 9th 2009 10:30AM]

I'd like to see the vending machine operators push this. Imagine walking up to a vending machine and being able to make a short range wi-fi connection to see whether your selection is in stock. Maybe even see when it was last stocked (I hate getting a drink that's way past it's "best by" date). You could even set up a secure payment option, but I probably wouldn't go that route because it would be too easy to hack that.

[Steven Wentzel @ Jan 9th 2009 11:31AM]

Another option would be to use your eyes to see if your selection is in stock, given that this is near-range. But hey, who would want the added stresses of having to walk up to the machine when you can see what's in it from 10 feet (or whatever the distance is) away.

[Phoenix @ Jan 9th 2009 11:45AM]

Yeah, most vending machines I know have either glass fronts or lights on the buttons...

but I dunno, maybe you prefer taking out your phone and connecting to the vending machine and selecting what you want to check to, you know, LOOKING.

[eggothewaffle @ Jan 9th 2009 11:46AM]

Oh man, this is like the best and least sarcastic comment tree evar.

[Patriks7 @ Jan 9th 2009 10:10AM]

Engadget! Slow down with the posts! It took me more than an hour to go through the ones I missed in the evening and now there's more than triple that already!

[eggothewaffle @ Jan 9th 2009 10:17AM]

That's what happens when you have CES, Darren Murph, and more blow than a silverback gorilla can handle.

Seriously Darren...How the hell do you do it?

[Epignosis @ Jan 9th 2009 10:14AM]

At last!

I hope that it'll compete with the Wireless USB and their skyraping prices. (skyraping. i'm trying to coin a term..)

[Japanrulz @ Jan 9th 2009 10:37AM]

Skyraping prices, hmmmm, sounds just about right to me.

[Epignosis @ Jan 9th 2009 11:11AM]

Funny, but someone has called "First!" on the term, lucky me, I hate people who calls "First!".

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=skyraper

[Mike @ Jan 9th 2009 10:38AM]

What does this offer that bluetooth does? (Not sarcastic, sincere question)

[j_g_puff @ Jan 9th 2009 10:45AM]

I guess it makes use of existing WiFi hardware, meaning you don't need a separate bluetooth radio and hence saving money, albeit a tiny amount.

I think it's a bad idea though. The 2.4GHz band is crowded enough as it is -- I predict a major WiFi crash in the next few years as the number of 2.4 gig devices rockets and the whole thing grinds to a halt.

[Michael @ Jan 9th 2009 10:53AM]

Also, bluetooth is rather unwieldy and unreliable. While its fairly simple for me to figure out how to get devices connected, I wouldn't ask my mom to do it. Plus the devices tend to fall offline and forget that they were ever attached, so anything that can make this process simpler is ok with me.

[OsgoodMEO @ Jan 9th 2009 10:39AM]

*doesn't

[pissass @ Jan 9th 2009 10:46AM]

bitch mother

[KeithO @ Jan 9th 2009 11:15AM]

I will be curious where this technology goes. Someone must be thinking about the next generation beyond IR remote controls to the "media cloud" where all devices are bi-directional, where audio/Video, A/V control, flow around the user; where the PC is just one more component in that cloud. (I would just be happy to get rid of the 20-odd IR remotes in my house.)

[elBravo @ Jan 9th 2009 11:15AM]

This is a little off topic...
But it is 2009 and there are still CE products being made with remotes that require me to have line of sight. Bluetooth, My WiFi, whatever it is. Perhaps the ps3 remote has spoiled me, but this industry needs to make the switch cause im tired of trying to lightsaber my remote at the tv like some shit chucking ape. IR, your on notice!

[Allan @ Jan 10th 2009 8:27AM]

Hi Engadget,

Thanks for posting our technological breakthrough in wireless market.
The details of the G2C547 can be found on http://www.techpointonline.net