Intel shows off its Bluetooth rival

Intel is looking to take on Bluetooth with its own new technology, called Wi-Fi PAN.

Wi-Fi PAN allows users to connect their laptops and mobile phones to accessories such as wireless headsets, keyboards and mice through a standard Wi-Fi network, removing the need for a separate Bluetooth antenna.

According to Ozmo Devices, the startup which pioneered the technology, Wi-Fi PAN operates at a similar nine-metre range to Bluetooth but offers a significant speed boost, with the company claiming a data transfer rate of around 9Mb/sec - three times that of its competitor.

Intel is expected to demonstrate the technology at Computex, with the hope of shipping the technology with its Centrino 2 platform next year.