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So where does Wibree fall in all this?

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danidah:
No one has ever really explained the origin of the name “Wibree” but Wibree is pretty much like any other short range wireless protocol characterized by low power consumption. It has not been so much embraced by developers, probably due to the fact that it was implemented by an independent brand – NOKIA. Interoperability could not have been an issue, as Wibree had immense similarities to Bluetooth. It was more or less capable of complementing Bluetooth connectivity in PANs. In cases where Bluetooth was unsuitable for lightweight designs, Wibree was deemed as the perfect option. A popular obstacle was the inability to implement Bluetooth in ultra – small devices such as wrist watches. Large Bluetooth transmitters impacted on the overall design of such devices, hence the prevalence of Wibree due to its ability to have tinier transmitters which would not compromise on the overall design of devices. Wibree aimed at maintaining user comfort while at the same time ensuring longer battery life. Wibree’s placement at the background is baffling, more so as it falls in the 2.4 GHz band just like Bluetooth. Hardware compatibility would not be an issue in any case!

Here’s the catch
So at a glance, Bluetooth and Wibree seem to have massive similarities. But here is the catch. Later versions of Bluetooth (especially Bluetooth 2.0) hinged their focus on throughput. Data transmissions in Bluetooth almost doubled or even tripled those of Wibree. Compare initial Bluetooth’s rate of 350 kb/s with that of Wibree at 128 kb/s and you have your answer. Bluetooth enabled devices required periodical change of battery (one or two months) while matching Wibree devices would last a year or more; antenna sizes for Wibree were much smaller yet Bluetooth still remains the clear favorite.

Wibree burst into the scene in late 2006, and it was received with widespread apprehension as there were already similar solutions being tested in the market. As a competitor, Wibree has nothing on Bluetooth; but as a complementary technology it serves just right. However, these two could still share the target audiences. Devices like wireless keyboards would make do with Wibree as long battery life is guaranteed. For space – sensitive devices, Wibree would still be the natural choice too. All these factors are however trumped by Bluetooth transmission speeds. Bluetooth speeds have hit the 3mbps mark while Wibree still boasts of 1mbps. By virtue of this, the two cannot be pitted against each other as independent technologies, it would be unrealistic. Wibree sometimes is even cheekily referred to as “Baby Bluetooth”.

Wibree Applications
Currently, there are various devices that take advantage of Wibree; including toys, wireless computer peripherals, body implants, mobile phones and watches, sports sensors, etc.

Other Links:

•   http://tinyurl.com/6saq723
Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless

•   http://tinyurl.com/7yudmre
Bluetooth Prevalence

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