Ozmo's WiFi PAN available Q4, is this the end of Bluetooth's reign of terror?
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted June 23rd 2010 5:57AM
posted June 23rd 2010 5:57AM
Has it really been two years since Intel joined forces with Ozmo Devices? Indeed it has, and we've been eagerly awaiting the day when our mouse, keyboard, and other peripherals would communicate via WiFi. And you know what? We're still waiting -- though we might not be for much longer. Apparently the company has just announced the availability of its low power OZMO2000 chip "to select peripheral manufacturers." Compatible with Windows 7 SoftAP, Intel MyWi-Fi, and presumably Wi-Fi Direct, you can look for it to ship in production volumes in Q4. We know that this is great news for anyone who is frightened and confused by the tyranny of Bluetooth, to say the least. PR after the break.
Ozmo Devices Announces Revolutionary Solution Powering World's First Wi-Fi Mouse and Keyboard
Second Generation Silicon Fully Compatible with All Windows 7-Based Notebooks
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Ozmo Devices, the leading provider of low-power Wi-Fi Personal Area Network (Wi-Fi PAN) solutions, announced today that it started sampling its OZMO2000 chip to select peripheral manufacturers. This is the first Wi-Fi solution to overcome the battery life, cost and compatibility issues that have limited the broad adoption of Wi-Fi for HID (human interface device) applications. The OZMO2000 is currently available for use in Wi-Fi mouse, keyboard and remote control designs. Furthermore, the solution is compatible with all Wi-Fi-enabled notebooks and desktops that are compatible with Windows 7.
The OZMO2000 solution is the first to take advantage of Windows 7 SoftAP (Software-based Access Point) functionality to attach peripherals to personal computers. SoftAP is built into every version of Windows 7 and allows Wi-Fi devices to connect directly to notebooks without the need for an access point.
"Windows 7 SoftAP functionality is a logo requirement for all Wi-Fi products under Windows 7," said Billy Anders, group program manager for Windows Networking at Microsoft Corp. "Given the nearly 100 percent attach rate of Wi-Fi in notebooks, Ozmo's innovative solution adds new, low-power peripherals to any Windows 7-based notebook without increasing the platform cost. We are excited to see developers like Ozmo take advantage of this innovative Windows 7 feature to improve the customer experience."
The wireless mouse market is a key target for the OZMO2000 and Primax Electronics, a leading Taiwan-based mouse manufacturer, is the first ODM to offer their mouse designs with the OZMO2000. "We are excited to partner with Ozmo and be at the leading edge of bringing Wi-Fi peripherals to market," commented Jackie Shih, R&D Director, Primax Electronics.
Furthermore, Ozmo has partnered with NMB Technologies Corporation, one of the largest keyboard manufacturers in the world. "The use of Wi-Fi for peripheral connectivity dramatically expands the opportunity for wireless peripherals", said Gerry Fay, President, NMB Technologies Corporation. "Our partnership with Ozmo allows us to deliver new and exciting keyboard designs to our customers based on Ozmo's state-of-the-art technology."
OZMO2000 – Features and Functionality:
* No Dongle: The OZMO2000 connects seamlessly with the Wi-Fi chip in the notebook. Unlike proprietary 2.4GHz solutions, no dongle is occupying a USB port.
* Battery Life: The advanced power management features provide a solution battery life that is two to three times longer than legacy wireless solutions like Bluetooth®.
* Low Cost: as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), the OZMO2000 only requires a few external components which results in a cost-effective solution compared to Bluetooth and proprietary 2.4GHz technology.
* Highly Scalable: the OZMO2000 supports up to 24Mbps data rates with very low power consumption. This provides an ideal solution for low data rate applications like mouse and keyboard, as well as for advanced designs with higher data rate requirements like touch features or integrated video and audio.
Wi-Fi Direct Certification
The OZMO2000 is compatible with Windows 7 SoftAP as well as Intel's MyWi-Fi Technology. Furthermore, the OZMO2000 is designed to be compatible with the upcoming Wi-Fi Direct standard. The Wi-Fi Alliance plans this new certification program to be available later in the year.
Availability: Samples are available now to qualified customers. Production volumes will be available in the fourth quarter.
Pricing: the OZMO2000 is priced at US$3.00 in 10,000 unit quantity.
About Primax Electronics
Founded in March 1984 in Taiwan, Primax Electronics is a leading global supplier in consumer and business electronics. Spanning over the entire globe, Primax has headquarters and R&D in Taiwan and manufacturing operations in China, sales and marketing offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Europe and the United states. Primax offers products across four broad categories: imaging products, computer peripherals, office equipment and communication devices. Primax became a publicly traded company (No. 2336) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in January 1995.
About NMB Technologies Corporation
NMB Technologies Corporation, a Minebea Group Company, is the world's largest manufacturer of miniature precision ball bearings and a volume leader in the design and manufacturing of precision electro-mechanical components, including keyboards, cooling fans and blowers, precision small motors and mechanical bearing assemblies. NMB products can be found in the personal computing, networking, telecommunications, home entertainment, home electronics, and automotive, medical and industrial markets. For more information on NMB Technologies Corporation visit http://www.nmbtc.com or e-mail info@nmbtc.com.
About Ozmo Devices
Ozmo Devices is the leading provider of low-power Wi-Fi PAN solutions. Ozmo Devices extends the functionality of Wi-Fi-enabled platforms to seamlessly communicate with peripherals. Ozmo Devices' silicon solution delivers superior performance for low-power wireless peripherals like mice and headsets. Ozmo Devices is backed by top-tier venture capital firms and managed by semiconductor industry veterans. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has offices in the United Kingdom. For more information about Ozmo Devices, visit www.ozmodevices.com.
SOURCE Ozmo Devices
Second Generation Silicon Fully Compatible with All Windows 7-Based Notebooks
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Ozmo Devices, the leading provider of low-power Wi-Fi Personal Area Network (Wi-Fi PAN) solutions, announced today that it started sampling its OZMO2000 chip to select peripheral manufacturers. This is the first Wi-Fi solution to overcome the battery life, cost and compatibility issues that have limited the broad adoption of Wi-Fi for HID (human interface device) applications. The OZMO2000 is currently available for use in Wi-Fi mouse, keyboard and remote control designs. Furthermore, the solution is compatible with all Wi-Fi-enabled notebooks and desktops that are compatible with Windows 7.
The OZMO2000 solution is the first to take advantage of Windows 7 SoftAP (Software-based Access Point) functionality to attach peripherals to personal computers. SoftAP is built into every version of Windows 7 and allows Wi-Fi devices to connect directly to notebooks without the need for an access point.
"Windows 7 SoftAP functionality is a logo requirement for all Wi-Fi products under Windows 7," said Billy Anders, group program manager for Windows Networking at Microsoft Corp. "Given the nearly 100 percent attach rate of Wi-Fi in notebooks, Ozmo's innovative solution adds new, low-power peripherals to any Windows 7-based notebook without increasing the platform cost. We are excited to see developers like Ozmo take advantage of this innovative Windows 7 feature to improve the customer experience."
The wireless mouse market is a key target for the OZMO2000 and Primax Electronics, a leading Taiwan-based mouse manufacturer, is the first ODM to offer their mouse designs with the OZMO2000. "We are excited to partner with Ozmo and be at the leading edge of bringing Wi-Fi peripherals to market," commented Jackie Shih, R&D Director, Primax Electronics.
Furthermore, Ozmo has partnered with NMB Technologies Corporation, one of the largest keyboard manufacturers in the world. "The use of Wi-Fi for peripheral connectivity dramatically expands the opportunity for wireless peripherals", said Gerry Fay, President, NMB Technologies Corporation. "Our partnership with Ozmo allows us to deliver new and exciting keyboard designs to our customers based on Ozmo's state-of-the-art technology."
OZMO2000 – Features and Functionality:
* No Dongle: The OZMO2000 connects seamlessly with the Wi-Fi chip in the notebook. Unlike proprietary 2.4GHz solutions, no dongle is occupying a USB port.
* Battery Life: The advanced power management features provide a solution battery life that is two to three times longer than legacy wireless solutions like Bluetooth®.
* Low Cost: as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), the OZMO2000 only requires a few external components which results in a cost-effective solution compared to Bluetooth and proprietary 2.4GHz technology.
* Highly Scalable: the OZMO2000 supports up to 24Mbps data rates with very low power consumption. This provides an ideal solution for low data rate applications like mouse and keyboard, as well as for advanced designs with higher data rate requirements like touch features or integrated video and audio.
Wi-Fi Direct Certification
The OZMO2000 is compatible with Windows 7 SoftAP as well as Intel's MyWi-Fi Technology. Furthermore, the OZMO2000 is designed to be compatible with the upcoming Wi-Fi Direct standard. The Wi-Fi Alliance plans this new certification program to be available later in the year.
Availability: Samples are available now to qualified customers. Production volumes will be available in the fourth quarter.
Pricing: the OZMO2000 is priced at US$3.00 in 10,000 unit quantity.
About Primax Electronics
Founded in March 1984 in Taiwan, Primax Electronics is a leading global supplier in consumer and business electronics. Spanning over the entire globe, Primax has headquarters and R&D in Taiwan and manufacturing operations in China, sales and marketing offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Europe and the United states. Primax offers products across four broad categories: imaging products, computer peripherals, office equipment and communication devices. Primax became a publicly traded company (No. 2336) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in January 1995.
About NMB Technologies Corporation
NMB Technologies Corporation, a Minebea Group Company, is the world's largest manufacturer of miniature precision ball bearings and a volume leader in the design and manufacturing of precision electro-mechanical components, including keyboards, cooling fans and blowers, precision small motors and mechanical bearing assemblies. NMB products can be found in the personal computing, networking, telecommunications, home entertainment, home electronics, and automotive, medical and industrial markets. For more information on NMB Technologies Corporation visit http://www.nmbtc.com or e-mail info@nmbtc.com.
About Ozmo Devices
Ozmo Devices is the leading provider of low-power Wi-Fi PAN solutions. Ozmo Devices extends the functionality of Wi-Fi-enabled platforms to seamlessly communicate with peripherals. Ozmo Devices' silicon solution delivers superior performance for low-power wireless peripherals like mice and headsets. Ozmo Devices is backed by top-tier venture capital firms and managed by semiconductor industry veterans. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has offices in the United Kingdom. For more information about Ozmo Devices, visit www.ozmodevices.com.
SOURCE Ozmo Devices
But I like bluetooth? My only complaint is in Win 7 you can't just "disconnect" a device without removing the drivers. My Mac allows me to just "disconnect" a device. My only complaint is that more periphials arn't bluetooth. I wish everything on my desk was bluetooth.
Anyone explain whats so bad about it?
@Digi
Can't you just disconnect it in the bluetooth manager?
@Digi
Don't use the microsoft bluetooth stack, use bluesoleil.
I too love bluetooth -- it's just shitty implementations (mainly microsoft's bt stack) have given it a bad name.
wouldn't wifi eat your mouse/phone/whatever batteries much quicker than bluetooth?
come to think of it, i can't actually come up with a single reason why i'd want to replace bluetooth with wifi
@mrqs
I can, bluetooth is frankly a bit shit. Pairing isn't as painless as it needs to be, bandwidth is horrible, audio streaming isn't high enough quality, I can't use my microphone simultaneously with high quality audio streaming, driver support in Win 7 is still flakey.
@Bratyr Why not just add built in RF to laptops instead so you won't need the usb adapter? I've always found it reliable.
@mrqs
OZMO2000 – Features and Functionality:
* No Dongle: The OZMO2000 connects seamlessly with the Wi-Fi chip in the notebook. Unlike proprietary 2.4GHz solutions, no dongle is occupying a USB port.
* Battery Life: The advanced power management features provide a solution battery life that is two to three times longer than legacy wireless solutions like Bluetooth®.
* Low Cost: as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), the OZMO2000 only requires a few external components which results in a cost-effective solution compared to Bluetooth and proprietary 2.4GHz technology.
* Highly Scalable: the OZMO2000 supports up to 24Mbps data rates with very low power consumption. This provides an ideal solution for low data rate applications like mouse and keyboard, as well as for advanced designs with higher data rate requirements like touch features or integrated video and audio.
@anonymouspam I was going to skim the press release, instead, I thank you kind sir.
@anonymouspam
Well this sold me, I am a big fan of BT and this seems to improve on it in every way assuming it still has a decent signal. Lower power use, faster, and cheaper, I'm digging it.
Sounds Cool. Just get this tech to logitech so they can put out the matching peripherals
Really? Isn't this progress for progress' sake? I don't see what advantages this offers over bluetooth and as a negative, isn't this going to increase interference in the 2.4Ghz spectrum thus rendering wifi even more crappy?
Am I missing some terribly clever irony here or is this techno-paranoia? How can Bluetooth (an open standard ratified by exactly the same corner of the IEEE as Wi-Fi) be described as a "reign of terror" or a "tyranny"? Did it steal your pocket money when you were a wee boy?
@Dr Shambolic
It stole my ability to stream high quality music to my stereo headphones.
Meh, this will just confuse people. We geeks know what PAN means, but the layman won't know the difference between WiFi and WiFi PAN. They know that WiFi means "internet" and Bluetooth means "headsets".
I have never liked bluetooth and the soon it dies and WiFi PAN takes over, the better the industry will be. Why so?
WiFi will then become omni-present on all devices. Manufacturers will not be able to hide connectivity behind the shortcomings of that idiotic OBEX push.
WiFi PAN means simple connectivity and somewhat better security as well as well understood rules and simple connectivity. Bring it on.
@Everyone and their mom
Bluetooth just plain sucks, out loud, in mono and in stereo! You maybe can pair devices, but you can mostly only do one pair connected at a time, and almost never have it recognise when circumstances change (e.g. I am now in my car, not the office)!
@ Sham Alcoholic
Bluetooth as a standard is like BSI grade steel as a standard. It ain't what it is that matters, it's what it does.
@anyone I missed
How will WiFi fix this? Bluetooth allows multiple pairing, multiple sessions already, but the devices / apps let it down.
I don't want security free connection to every device that comes within 50cm of my body. I want a WiFi / Bluetooth headset that manages audio in and out for my PC, my phone and my music - from my office all the way to the loo!
I want a WiFi / Bluetooth car system that syncs automatically with my mobile when in range, playing music when not actually on a call.
I want errrr hold on a second! It's OK!!!! I'm feeling better now. I'll go quietly officer...
Is the widow router in the diagram because it's necessary for device pairing?