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Unwiring the workplace: Intel Pro WiDi and Wireless Docking

By Koh Wanzi - on 7 Apr 2015, 2:53am

Unwiring the workplace: Intel Pro WiDi and Wireless Docking

Alongside its announcement of the availability of fifth-generation Broadwell-U Intel vPro processors in a slew of devices, Intel today also expanded the capabilities of its vPro technology with Intel Pro Wireless Display (WiDi) and Intel Wireless Docking.

Recognizing the shift towards more collaborative and dynamic workplaces, Intel took the opportunity to showcase its transformative vision for the future of the workplace in Asia Pacific. Intel envisions a workplace free of the clutter of wires and connecting cables, where Intel Pro WiDi and Wireless Docking are key aspects of this vision.

Intel Pro Wireless Display (Pro WiDi)

Intel’s Pro Wi-Di aims to eliminate the need for cables in presentations and conference rooms. Users will be able to connect wirelessly to projectors and displays via the office network and stream content to their conference room displays. If Intel has its way, users will no longer need to struggle with display connectors and meetings will cease to be held up by the next presenter to having his or her go at the cables.

Intel Pro WiDi is actually built on Intel’s existing WiDi standard (which is still riding on Miracast technology) , with the Pro moniker signifying the addition of certain new features targeted at business users. For instance, business users will be granted enhanced usability features like flexible presenter controls and privacy, a display prompt to prevent accidental sharing to the wrong display, and the ability to quickly hand-off to other users in the same room. In addition, it also supports key IT requirements like wireless channel management to mitigate network congestion risks and security vulnerabilities and the ability to update and manage adapters remotely.

Manageability aside, the Pro edition is designed to work well in a congested wireless channel environment, typical of most offices, unlike the original WiDi that's better suited to handle wireless display needs at home. Intel's Pro WiDi also improves on switching and wireless display connectivity performance, dropping waiting times from more than 20 seconds on standard WiDi to just 6 seconds or less when using Pro WiDi.

Major manufacturers such as Dell and Panasonic have already released devices featuring the new technology. For instance, the Dell Latitude 13 7000 Series is 2-in-1 device that is both a secure business Ultrabook and a 13-inch tablet. The device also contains an additional battery in its keyboard for an impressive 17 hours of battery life to satisfy even the most demanding business user.

Dell Latitude 13 7000 Series is a 2-in-1 laptop that uses Intel Core M processors to deliver great battery life for productivity tasks on the move.

Panasonic has also made available the PT-VW355N (WXGA, 4,000lm) and PT-VX425N (XGA, 4,500lm) projectors, part of its new PT-VW350 series and the world’s first portable LCD projectors to have Intel's Pro WiDi technology built-in. The new projectors will allow easy projection of the screen of a PC or Android device via wireless LAN as long as they support Miracast technology or have WiDi capabiltiies.

Panasonic VX 425N XGA.

In addition, the Actiontec ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition serves as an Intel Pro WiDi receiver that enables users to share content from compatible mobile devices to any TV or projector within seconds. Going forward, Intel hopes that Intel Pro WiDi capabilities will be integrated into displays, thus eliminating the need for any external receiver.

Actiontec ScreenBeam Pro Business Edition Intel Pro WiDi receiver.

Intel Wireless Docking

With Intel Wireless Docking, users can connect wirelessly to peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, mice and USB accessories, thus enabling them to move seamlessly between workstations and meeting rooms. It is based on Intel Wireless Gigabit technology implemented on the Intel Tri-Band Wireless-AC 17265 client, which delivers high-speed 60GHz WiGig 802.11ad wireless docking connectivity for mobile devices. The technology is intended to be paired with devices such as the HP Wireless Docking Station, which will enable users to enjoy the complete wireless docking experience.

The HP Wireless Docking station is a compact device that can fit into the palm of your hand.

A wire-free, multi-display experience

The two new technologies (Intel Wireless Docking and Intel Pro WiDi) can help enable a wire-free and secure work environment for business users. In addition to its native display, an Intel Pro WiDi-enabled client can support up to two additional screens at up to 1200p resolutions or an additional display at 1600p, making for a truly multi-display experience. We had a quick go at this experience at Intel's demo station at today's event and it seemed to deliver seamless connectivity as soon as the client is within 8 feet of his/her wirelessly docked peripherals and displays using a docking station supporting Intel Wireless Docking technology. In essence, you no longer have to deal with any physical docking or cabling to transition between the notebook and your screens/peripherals to support a desktop work experience; they just work as soon as your notebook is within close proximity to them.

Intel Pro WiDi and Wireless Docking combine to produce a completely wire-free and multi-display experience.

Intel is clearly betting on wireless technology in the workplace of the future. "With new devices based on fifth-generation Intel Core vPro processors, we aim to transform the user experience by helping them compute from virtually anywhere without the clutter and burden of wires," says Tom Garrison, vice-president and general manager of Intel's Business Client Platforms.

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