Wi-Fi Direct could offer HD streaming without regular connection

High-definition (HD) media streaming could be accessible to people without a conventional internet network by using Wi-Fi Direct, according to an expert website.

The new service announced by the Wi-Fi Alliance will remove the need for a conventional network in connecting phones and laptops, which Andrew Ferguson, editor of thinkbroadband.com, says could resemble a Bluetooth pairing.

Mr Ferguson said faster speeds offered by Wi-Fi Direct could surpass Bluetooth services, but the signal strength could still be adversely affected by high buildings and other topographical features.

The expert added: "With people already being able to see upwards of 20 Wi-Fi networks from their living room, adding Wi-Fi direct devices to the list may result in more congestion and confusion."

People using the new service, which is due to be certified towards the middle of next year, could find their VoIP hardware works more effectively, in addition to getting faster download speeds.

Mobilebroadband services are delivering just a quarter of their advertised speeds to consumers, according to the Wi-Fi Alliance.