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Intel dedicated part of its booth at CES to mobile Wi-Fi personal area networking (PAN).  The idea is simple, Wi-Fi enabled components speak to each other using an ad hoc network without the need for a router.

The idea seems promising.  Intel had a pair of Wi-Fi headphones that supposedly worked with the computer there.  There were also a pair of Wi-Fi speakers under the display table that are not out yet.  The PAN would work similarly to pairing your Bluetooth headset with your phone using a personal identification number.  That would avoid people just randomly joining your PAN and hijacking your speakers or headphones.

Intel’s part in all of this is promoting its Centrino line of processors that has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.  Battery life is extremely valuable and to waste it on sending a sound signal to your headphones seems like a mistake for now. 

With the introduction of wireless USB, at least there will be some competition in this space.  Bluetooth has proved inadequate when it comes to reproducing great sound.  Wireless USB should be able to transmit data at a much higher rate than Wi-Fi, so it may be better suited to putting together a PAN. 

Company Site: [Intel]