In a groundbreaking decision, the FCC has approved the use of the 6 GHz spectrum, aiming to usher in a new age for wearable devices, specifically augmented and virtual reality tools.
Leading tech corporations, including Apple, Broadcom, Meta, and Google, have been vocal advocates of this initiative, predicting this could be a game-changer for the next generation of wearable technology.
With this decision, the FCC hopes to stimulate a wave of innovative applications that encompass various sectors, from healthcare and business to entertainment and education.
Kevin Martin, Meta’s VP for North American policy, voiced his company’s enthusiasm, suggesting that the decision is in line with Meta’s futuristic vision for enhanced smart glasses. This development means these devices might soon offer more versatile functionalities, independent of conventional Wi-Fi networks.
On the platform formerly known as Twitter, Google’s Pixel team shared their excitement, emphasizing the 6 GHz spectrum’s crucial role in advancing wireless communication. This will allow devices to establish direct connections, enriching user experiences in various applications.
Amazon also expressed optimism, hinting at leveraging the 6 GHz band for their upcoming innovations like the Eero Max 7 and the new Fire Stick 4K Max.
Apple commended the FCC’s decision, signifying it as a landmark move toward technological advancement.
Recalling the past, in 2020, when the FCC first proposed utilizing the 6 GHz band, these tech giants were at the forefront, advocating its potential benefits. They imagined a future where devices, including gaming gear, headphones, and AR/VR gadgets, wouldn’t be bound by cables or confined to homes. They believed that such advancements could revolutionize fields from medical practices to aiding the visually challenged.
They also emphasized the importance of maintaining the mobility of AR/VR devices, suggesting that their effectiveness might be reduced in outdoor scenarios without such flexibility.