As we all know, customers want to move content from mobile devices to their TVs while not bothering with wires. But what is the wireless peer-to-peer technology of consumer choice-- other than AirPlay?

After all, AirPlay has the advantage of a cohesive ecosystem, ensuring multiple Apple products work together. On the other hand, rival systems so far failed to bring about such interoperability, despite standards of the DLNA variety.

So far, at least.

ABI Research suggests two systems will rise to the wireless peer-to-peer challenge-- Wifi Direct and Miracast. According to the analyst over 66% of connected CE (non-mobile/computing) devices will support Wifi Direct, with the majority being also Miracast-certified.

Miracast certification should hit the market within the next few months, with Wifi "Services" (handling printing and gaming functions) coming in 2013.

Supporting the increase in demand for streaming content are next generation wireless technologies-- 802.11ac (aka 5G or gigabit Wifi) is already available on select broadband routers, while 60GHz wireless (802.11ad/WiGig) should also enable new usage models (if at shorter distances).

“Consumers today are looking for big-screen entertainment but prefer browsing and navigation on touch devices close at hand," ABI concludes. "Improved wireless performance and standard support for ubiquitous media sharing will give application developers the opportunity to deliver the next wave of interactive advertising and shopping experiences.”

Go Wifi Direct and Miracast Challenge Apple's AirPlay (ABI Research)

D-Link launches its first 802.11ac router-- the Cloud Router 5700 (DIR-865L), offering dual-band performance of up to 1750Mbps (1300ac + 450n) for high-bandwidth wireless applications.

It uses the 5GHz band for "less interference and cleaner connection" and carries x4 ethernet ports and x1 USB port allowing the connection of external storage. It is IPv6 ready and backwards compatible with 802.11n wireless standards.

Security comes through SPI firewall and WPA2.

D-Link also offers the mydlink cloud services-- enabling customers to monitor internet activity (via Cloud App) and access saved content on mobile devices (via SharePort app).

Go D-Link Ships First 802.11ac Router

TRENDnet launches the 500Mbps TPL-403E2K Compact Powerline AV Adapter Kit-- the smallest powerline kit from the company yet, shipping with two TPL-406E adapters.

The TPL-406E is 50% smaller than the average 500Mbps adapter, TRENDnet claims.

As a powerline product, the TPL-403E2K uses existing electrical lines to connect devices to the internet. Multiple TRENDnet adapters network automatically to each other using a secure encrypted signal, with no CD installation required.

Embedded power saving technology lowers power consumption in standby mode, while a "Sync" button changes existing encryption keys.

The system handles up to x8 adapters without the need to run new cabling.

Go 500Mbps Compact Powerline AV Adapter Kit

A war looms over the new and emerging markets in need of low power wireless connections and device interoperability. It involves two rival factions-- Bluetooth Smart and ZigBee.

The markets the war will wage on are various, ranging from connected home devices (remote controls, TVs, STBs, etc) to wireless sensors (medical, health, sports, home automation, etc).

According to ABI Research both technologies will see "rapid growth" from 2013... but Bluetooth will emerge victorious, as shipments should reach over 1 billion annually by 2016.

ZigBee device shipment forecasts smaller but still "significant"-- 350 million by 2016.

Why is Bluetooth the winner? ABI says Bluetooth Smart is the "obvious choice" for simple point-to-point control thanks to a "massive" interoperable device ecosystem. However ZigBee/RF4CE happens to be the ideal choice for more complex systems demanding a high node count.

Whichever way the wireless connection war goes, there will definitely be one winner-- the supplier smart enough to enter the market early and successfully dominate it.

ABI says most suppliers target only one of the two markets. CSR and Nordic Semiconductor are going for Bluetooth Smart, while Freescale Semiconductor and GreenPeak target ZigBee. Meanwhile Texas Instruments has offerings using both technologies, with ICs for both markets.

The moral of the story? Choose your side carefully... or go for both!

Go Bluetooth and ZigBee on Collision Course in Connected Home and Wireless Sensors (ABI Research)

Pakedge Device and Software announces the S24H-- a 24-port gigabit switch with PoE+ (IEEE 802.3AT) capability designed for powering and switching AVB-based network AV devices.

It delivers up to 25.5 watts-per-port for use with HDMI-over-IP transmitters, multi-radio wireless access points, HD IP cameras, home automation PoE+ controllers and other devices using PoE+ and gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

A 500W power supply supplies either 25.5W of PoE+ power to up to 12 ports or 15.4W to all 24 ports simultaneously (or a combination thereof). Users can individually and remotely cycle power from each port via a number of devices, including iPads or iPhones.

The S24H also supports serial home automation protocols. It also carries 4 fibre optic ports (with RJ45 or SFP connector support) and operates as a fibre hub with long-distance cable runs.

It comes with a heavy-duty 1U metal housing with rack mount hardware (included).

Go Pakedge S24H

O3b Networks has a broadband solution for customers demanding connectivity on their cruise ships and super yachts-- O3bMaritime, a broadband solution the company says provides over 100 times the average internet access rate at sea.

O3bMaritime is an offshore solution using dedicated steerable beams in order to track a ship's course, optimising performance for onboard guests. The company claims the solution "overwhelms" existing satellite-based slutions, with "crystal clear" voice and 65ms mouth-to-ear latency.

It delivers up to 500 Mbps in aggregate bandwidth to a single vessel, allowing users to enjoy home-level internet access on sea.

Go O3b Networks Unveils O3bMaritime