Qualcomm has announced the arrival of Wi-Fi 8, a significant evolution in wireless network architecture driven by the new demands generated by artificial intelligence. According to the California-based company, the rise of AI is transforming data traffic, requiring greater real-time processing capacity, lower latency, and increased sensitivity to potential interruptions. Therefore, Qualcomm emphasizes not only speed but also reliability, range, energy efficiency, and local computing capability as pillars of this new generation. The multinational expects the first commercial devices with Wi-Fi 8 to be available by the end of 2026, although samples are already being distributed to selected customers. This new technology is designed to adapt to high-demand environments, reducing latency spikes and improving stability when multiple devices compete for connection. Qualcomm defines Wi-Fi 8 as "AI-native connectivity," both in devices and access points. In the mobile sector, the highlight is the FastConnect 8800, which incorporates a 4x4 Wi-Fi configuration. This solution promises peak speeds exceeding 10 Gbps and, according to the company, doubles the performance compared to the Wi-Fi 7 generation. Additionally, it significantly extends gigabit range, allowing high speeds to be maintained at greater distances from the router. The FastConnect 8800 also introduces improvements in other wireless technologies. It integrates Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), increasing the transfer rate from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps. The chip combines Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7.0, UWB, and Thread, a proposal designed for smart homes and environments where connectivity, localization, and home automation converge. One of the most notable innovations is Proximity AI, a layer that uses UWB along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi measurement techniques to achieve precise localization "at the centimeter level," according to Qualcomm. This will enable more accurate tracking of objects, proximity-based automation, and more reliable indoor experiences, where GPS is often less effective. On the other hand, Qualcomm's Dragonwing family is aimed at routers, gateways, and access points, with the goal of providing greater speed and stability even in saturated networks, minimizing latency and improving user experience. In summary, Qualcomm presents Wi-Fi 8 as a solution ready for everyday challenges: supporting multiple devices, managing demand peaks, and responding to latency-sensitive applications, beyond simply increasing speed. The rollout will be gradual, starting with integrations in specific routers and mobile devices, and the final experience will depend on the hardware, configuration, and environment of each user. If timelines are met, the first commercial equipment will arrive by the end of 2026. (Source: larazon.es)