Ixana, an Indiana-based startup, has introduced Wi-R, a new wireless protocol and chipset designed to improve short-range communication between wearable devices. The technology aims to address existing limitations such as janky Bluetooth connections and interface complexities among smart glasses, watches, and rings.
Wi-R Technology Overview
Wi-R is engineered for extremely short-range connections, operating effectively up to 5 centimeters from the skin, allowing functionality through clothing. Key features and claimed benefits include:
- High Bandwidth: Potential for up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) between devices on the body. A demonstration showed a combined 5 Mbps data throughput across multiple wearables.
- Low Latency: Performance tests indicate latency under 1 millisecond.
- Power Efficiency: Stated to be more power-efficient than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, potentially enabling smart glasses to stream live for up to 8 hours.
- Security: Does not radiate a signal beyond its short range, enhancing privacy and security for personal body networks.
Current and Potential Applications
Ixana has been developing this technology for several years, including defense-focused applications with the US Air Force and US Army, leveraging its secure, short-range capabilities.
For consumer electronics, Ixana states its advanced chipset could facilitate seamless communication among various wearables such as glasses, watches, rings, and earbuds. This could support:
- Always-On AI Wearables: Enabling continuous streaming of video and audio data for devices like smart glasses with cameras or smart pendants without rapidly draining battery life.
- Local Data Transfer: Offering an alternative to existing local transfer methods, allowing information exchange between devices only when in close proximity, demonstrated with wristband wearables and phones.
- Multi-Device Ecosystems: Allowing various low-power wearables, including health sensors and neural inputs, to recognize and communicate with each other reliably.
Industry Adoption and Future
During CES 2026, demonstrations showcased Wi-R's capabilities, including audio streaming between prototype earbuds and a music pendant, and data sharing across multiple prototype smart devices worn simultaneously.
Ixana is reportedly in discussions with major tech companies regarding the integration of Wi-R into future consumer products. For Wi-R to become a widely adopted standard, broad industry agreement or integration within specific wearable ecosystems will be necessary.