Be this the final sail o' cables? Aye, Apple, Meta, and Google scuttle their way to swift 6GHz Wi-Fi!
2023-10-20
Arr, me hearties! Avast ye! 'Tis a tale worth tellin'! Apple, Meta, and Google be gainin' greater access to next-gen 6GHz Wi-Fi, aye! 'Tis a game-changer for Vision Pro and other mystical VR and AR headsets, buckos! Prepare to be amazin'!
Apple, Meta, and Google have been granted access by the FCC to use the super-fast 6GHz wireless band for Wi-Fi tethering, which could potentially eliminate the need for many wires. The FCC has only granted access for very low power uses, meaning the signals won't interfere with other 6GHz devices. However, higher power uses can be allowed as long as there are protections in place to avoid interference.This move opens up the possibilities for using fast 6GHz connections to replace wires for devices such as virtual reality (or augmented reality) headsets, like the upcoming Apple Vision Pro, or for in-car use, such as connecting your iPhone via CarPlay.
(Image credit: Apple)
With faster, more reliable wireless connections, this could mean the end of annoying wires in our lives. For Apple and Meta, who are both working on VR/AR headsets, the use of 6GHz could greatly expand the possibilities of these devices, allowing users to stray further from the device powering it.
However, only modern and usually more expensive products support 6GHz Wi-Fi. For example, only this year's MacBook Pros and the iPhone 15 Pro support it. Older or less expensive devices like the iPhone 15 or the MacBook Air (15-inch, 2023) do not support 6GHz Wi-Fi.
Despite this limitation, it's exciting to see the advancements in wireless technology and the potential for a future without cables.
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