CSR ready to unleash the power of Wi-Fi Direct with release of CSR9100

The CSR9100 connectivity platform is designed to meet the requirements of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi Direct certification as well as support for the latest Bluetooth standards. With support for Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, and HD Voice (Wideband Speech) as well as Wi-Fi Direct, the CSR9100 product range is now uniquely positioned to address a broad range of customer needs.

The Wi-Fi Direct standard allows for two modes of operation. The first allows a device to act as an access point (AP), also commonly known as a hotspot, allowing a number of Wi-Fi stations and devices to connect to it and share services. This functionality also enables the “mobile warrior” use case in which users can share 3G or 4G data pipes with a number of stations connected to it via Wi-Fi. The second mode of operation is based on point-to-point where Wi-Fi devices will be able to make direct connection groups to do things like print, sync, and share content, even when an access point or router is unavailable. This option for a direct, fast data connection offers users maximum convenience.

Mobile network operators are already aware of the value of hotspot functionality, and have already launched a number of devices to support it. Hotspot devices give operators the option to generate increased revenues, whether due to the additional data traffic or through an additional monthly subscription fee, while at the same time offering end-users maximum flexibility and convenience in how they connect.

“CSR has always believed in the standardisation approach to technology as a key driver for mass adoption, and Wi-Fi Direct is consistent with our vision to enhance the consumer experience by making Wi-Fi connectivity more intuitive,” said Kanwar Chadha, Chief Marketing Officer at CSR. “With our extensive experience in Bluetooth peer-to-peer connectivity, we look forward to helping our customers to successfully implement this new standard, and bring their products to market quickly.”

Connections based on the specification will work at typical Wi-Fi speeds and range, protected by WPA2(TM)-certified security protocols and including WMM(R) Quality of Service mechanisms. Wi-Fi Direct will also offer end users comprehensive support for legacy devices, interoperability, and security that proprietary implementations of ‘soft access points’ generally do not. The “power save” features supported by Wi-Fi Direct will also deliver a significant improvement in handset operating time.

At the heart of CSR9100 is CSR’s Synergy for Android (SfA) software, CSR’s complete plug-and-play connectivity package for Android that includes support for Bluetooth, FM, Wi-Fi and GPS and is fully qualified to v3.0 of the Bluetooth specification. SfA is designed to ensure that CSR’s latest Wi-Fi Direct-enabled products fully support the latest of Android releases including 2.2.

Wi-Fi Direct will also be supported through CSR’s new standalone Wi-Fi products, CSR6030 and CSR6031.

Both the CSR9100 connectivity platform and the CSR6030 and CSR6031 products are already in design–in stage with a number of customers, and end-products are expected to be on the market in 2011.