Wireless Device Pairing--Benchmarking and Stakeholder Analysis analyzes the diverse factors influencing the developments and the adoption of mobile apps and mobile Web. In this research expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: wireless communication chips, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless USB 1.1, and mobile pairing applications.

Technology Overview

Advances in Wireless Devices Pairing to Drive Integration of Smartphones and Tablets

Mobile devices and supporting peripheral devices have been witnessing huge traction of late and are poised to garner further momentum in the coming years. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other smart mobile devices, together with the increasing processing ability and storage capacity, is driving the need for viable wireless pairing mechanisms. The trend of streaming music files or movies wirelessly to these devices is increasing in popularity, enhancing the need for a unified wireless pairing standard that is easier to use compared to existing technology. A unified wireless pairing standard is vital for companies planning to develop peripherals or applications to target this potentially lucrative market. The vast improvements in wireless connectivity have further rendered wireless devices to be highly viable and ever-present in daily usage. “The various stakeholders in this domain possess unique levels of influence for the advancement of a particular wireless pairing technology,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Thus, their role could be fundamentally important for the commercialization of such wireless pairing solutions.”

Rising congestion in the cellular space and the caping of bandwidth by telecommunication companies has necessitated that wireless standards are robust, easy to use, and capable of connecting seamlessly between various devices without going through their cellular network. Due to the exponential growth in data transfers, the next-generation wireless pairing standard must be capable of supporting this explosive growth. With the push toward centralized connectivity, such as cloud services and personal area networks, the need for a means to connect various devices will drive uptake for next-generation wireless pairing technology. Market initiatives by dominant participants within the industry value chain hold the key for any technology standard to gain market adoption.

Lack of a Unified Standard Slows Tempo of Market Growth

The existence of various next-generation standards competing for market acceptance can potentially fragment the market and can delay consumer adoption. The lack of a unified standard can hamper the overall development of a healthy ecosystem, as developers reduce their focus in an effort to broaden their reach by concentrating on compatibility of their products. Issues with various specifications can also bring confusion surrounding the individual capabilities of the various standards currently available.

Going forward, adoption of wireless pairing technology will depend on the benefits, which the technology brings to the consumer. Capabilities, such as multiple device pairing and quick pairing times will be key considerations for any of the technologies to be dominant. Seamless integration between the wireless devices will also mean that consumers are able to attain an integrated wireless environment. The announcement of three finalized standards in 2010 bodes well for manufacturers and developers, as improvement in performance allows for new applications to be developed. In 2011, the market is experiencing deployments and integration of these standards in consumer products running alongside existing standards. “Availability and adoption by manufacturers will be critical for any of these standards to be dominant,’ concludes the analyst. “Educating consumers on the benefits of each of the wireless standards will ensure greater market acceptance.”

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Wireless communication chips
• Wi-Fi direct
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Wireless USB 1.1
• Mobile pairing applications

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary
- 1.1 Research Snapshot and Scope
- 1.2 Research Methodology
- 1.3 Key Findings

2. Technology Snapshots and Trends
- 2.1 Technology Capability
- 2.2 Technology Maturity
- 2.3 Technology Trend Analysis

3. Stakeholders and Industry Initiatives
- 3.1 Industry Value Chain & Stakeholders
- 3.2 Industry Initiatives

4. Key Stakeholder Analysis

5. Technology Benchmarking

6. Key Contacts and Wireless Pairing Patents

7. Appendix