Despite the growth of Wi-Fi in peripherals and consumer electronics, research firm In-Stat predicts ultra wideband (UWB) will overtake Wi-Fi volumes in the near future. This is part of the findings of the firm in which it also predicts standards and technology battles to emerge as truly wireless PC interconnections become more widespread.

According to Qasim Inam, In-Stat analyst, most digital interconnects are first adopted in PCs and then by consumer electronics. "Like USB vs. 1394, the outcome of the battle between UWB solutions will be determined by the PC platform," he said. In other findings, the company predicts the growth of mobile PCs and other mobile consumer electronics devices will drive the transition to wireless interconnects based on UWB; PCs will hold the key in determining the winner between WiMedia and Pulselink UWB technologies; and in the long term, Wi-Fi and UWB will continue to co-exist in PCs as complimentary technologies.