Synaptics Introduces Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless SoC Ideal for Auracast

Synaptics announced the expansion of its wireless connectivity family with the introduction of the SYN43711. This Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 tri-band combo system on chip (SoC) is ready to support Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio for multiple concurrent Bluetooth connections and audio streams, including Auracast. Delivering best-in-class rate-over-range and interoperability in a cost-effective form factor, the SYN43711 targets high-performance applications with audio and video streaming.

MaxLinear, the provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, announced that their WAV600 Series-2 Chipset SoCs have been selected as access point test bed devices for the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 Release 2 certification process. The test bed uses a MaxLinear WAV615 and two MaxLinear WAV665 Wi-Fi Transceiver SoCs to enable tri-band interoperability testing at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, delivering on performance and increased network capacity.

Amazon and eero announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire eero, a company that offers products and services for high-performing, simple home mesh WiFi systems. Eero's products have been available since 2017 and basically blanket every room of a home with high-performing WiFi, earning a 4.6-star product rating on Amazon.com. Apparently, Amazon was excited with the company's next generation solutions, which the company says will enable better connected home devices.

A connected smoke alarm that's also a speaker, strategically placed in the ceiling to cover any room with quality sound. The idea might sound bizarre at first, but indeed it reflects the way manufacturers are reimagining different categories in the era of "smart devices." Following a successful presentation at CES 2018, First Alert launched its Onelink Safe & Sound Connected Smoke Alarm with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to ask questions or and even listen to music.

According to market research company ABI Research, global revenues from smart home automation systems will grow at a 21% CAGR between 2015 and 2020, with the North American market contributing close to 46% globally. Meanwhile 802.11ac Wi-Fi deployments continue to accelerate in 2015 and the market is gearing up to tri-band 802.11ad solutions.