Apple, Meta, and Google have recently been granted access by the FCC to utilize the super-fast 6GHz wireless band for Wi-Fi tethering. This development could potentially signal the beginning of the end for numerous wires that clutter our lives.
After years of lobbying by these tech giants, the FCC has finally granted them access for very low power (VLP) uses. This means that the signals transmitted won’t travel far, ensuring they don’t interfere with other 6GHz devices. However, higher power uses can be permitted as long as there are measures in place to prevent interference.
This move opens up exciting possibilities for devices like virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headsets, such as the upcoming Apple Vision Pro. With faster and more reliable wireless connections, users will have the freedom to move further away from the device powering their VR/AR experience, like a smartphone or laptop.
The advent of 6GHz connections could potentially eliminate the need for short cables used for tethering. It’s a promising prospect that could significantly declutter our lives. However, it’s important to note that only modern and usually more expensive devices currently support 6GHz Wi-Fi. For instance, this year’s MacBook Pros and the iPhone 15 Pro offer this capability, while older or less expensive devices like the iPhone 15 or the 2023 MacBook Air do not.
Each step forward in wireless technology brings us closer to a world without cables. While the widespread adoption of 6GHz wireless connections may not be immediate, it’s fascinating to witness the progress being made. The end of cable clutter may be on the horizon, and that’s certainly something to look forward to.
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