Nokia has introduced an new wireless technology, Wibree, that promises to significantly expand the range of portable devices that can be networked. According to Nokia, the technology extends network connectivity to small, low-power portable devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors.

This new radio technology complements other local connectivity technologies, but consumes only a fraction of the power of other such radio technologies, enabling smaller and less costly implementations. According to Nokia, “this technology increases the growth potential in these market segments.”

Nokia is proposing Wibree an open technology standard.

“Wibree technology is an important development that opens up new market opportunities and a whole new range of possibilities for mobile users,” says Dr. Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia Research Center. “Our aim is to establish an industry standard faster than ever before by offering an interoperable solution that can be commercialized and incorporated into products quickly.”

Nokia’s goal goal¬†is to have the new technology available to the market as fast as possible, Nokia is defining the Wibree interoperability specification together with a group of leading companies representing semiconductor manufacturers, device vendors and qualification service providers. According to the current estimate, the first commercial version of the interoperability specification will be available during second quarter of 2007.