Nokia introduces a new radio technology – Wibree

Nokia Research Center celebrated yesterday its 20th anniversary. In addition to the event Nokia has introduced Wibree wireless technology. Wibree technology complements close range communication with Bluetooth like performance within 10 m range and data rate of 1 Mbps.

Wibree isn’t considered to be the direct competitor of Bluetooth. It is optimized for applications requiring extremely low power consumption, small size and low cost. Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or PC, and small, button cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors.
The new standard is easily integrated with Bluetooth. Wibree is implemented either as stand-alone chip or as Bluetooth-Wibree dual-mode chip. The small devices like watches and sports sensors will be based on stand-alone chip whereas Bluetooth devices will take benefit of the dual-mode solution.

The specifications of Wibree are developed by Nokia in cooperation with several large chip makers. The first commercial version is expected to be introduced in 2Q 2007, and the first shipments of chips will start during 2Q 2007.