There will be a new feature available to Wi-Fi devices in 2010, allowing them to connect directly to each other to share or display content. The Wi-Fi Alliance today announced that is is nearing completion of a new specification to enable Wi-Fi devices to connect to one another without joining a traditional home, office, or hotspot network. The Wi-Fi Alliance expects to begin certification for this new specification in mid-2010, and products which achieve the certification will be designated Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct.

The specification, previously code-named "Wi-Fi peer-to-peer," can be implemented in any Wi-Fi device, from mobile phones, cameras, printers, and notebook computers, to human interface devices such as keyboards and headphones.

The applications for which Wi-Fi Direct is well-positioned include:

* Printing pictures directly from a Wi-Fi camera;
* Synchronizing contacts, music, etc.;
* Sharing music directly with a friend; and
* Displaying pictures directly from a mobile phone on a television.