Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is technology that allows for Wi-Fi-equipped devices to connect to each other in order to share content and data without the need for a wireless network or any centralized hardware.

The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies Wi-Fi Direct products. Wi-Fi Direct-certified devices can connect with older Wi-Fi certified devices, enabling a vast range of devices already in use to connect with products implementing Wi-Fi Direct from the certification program's inception.

The Alliance estimates that 82 million Wi-Fi enabled portable consumer electronics and 216 million Wi-Fi-enabled mobile handsets shipped in 2010.

It predicts annual growth rates of around 26 percent through 2014. Such numbers make Wi-Fi Direct capabilities seem quite useful.