The Wireless Gigabit (WiGig) Alliance has completed testing its multi-gigabit wireless WiGig technology at the first plugfest since a “memorandum of understanding” of unification with Wi-Fi Alliance® was executed late last month.

The plugfest, which concluded last week, is the third in the history of the WiGig Alliance and featured attendance from both organizations’ member companies. The plugfest helped to progress interoperability with further real-world testing and the results will be used in the development of a certification program.

“The continuation of our plugfest program is a critical part of our ongoing progress towards certification. With each plugfest we move closer to achieving a fully commercialized new standard,” said Dr. Ali Sadri, WiGig Alliance President and Chairman. “The vision to introduce this technology, which will enable new applications and an unprecedented user experience, is already becoming a mainstream reality and when certification becomes available, we will see an explosion in WiGig products coming to market.”

The plugfest was held at international testing centre TUV Rheinland in San Jose. Sarbjit Shelopal, director at TUV Rheinland commented on the Plugfest, “It has been great to work with the WiGig members on achieving this important milestone in the course of bringing the 60GHz technology to market. We have a wealth of experience in areas such as product certification, consumer electronics and training and knowledge services, and believe there is great potential in this new technology.”

During the plugfest, WiGig and Wi-Fi Alliance members tested their products to develop interoperability within the ecosystem and provide end-users with highly reliable and compatible devices. ABI Research is predicting that 60GHz enabled device shipments will exceed one billion units per annum by 2017 and the plugfest along with the certification program are the important steps to get there.

For further information about WiGig visit the website at www.wigig.org.

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About WiGig Alliance:

The WiGig Alliance was formed to establish a global ecosystem of high-speed and easy-to-use wireless devices that seamlessly work together to connect people in the digital age. WiGig technology enables multi‐gigabit wireless communications among consumer electronics, handheld devices and PCs, and drives industry convergence to a single radio using the readily available, unlicensed 60 GHz spectrum. The organization brings together the world’s leading manufacturers of semiconductors, personal computers, consumer electronics and handheld devices. For more information, please visit www.wigig.org.