Cellular chipsets get all the love these days, but it's WiFi that's still the most ubiquitous -- and often the most consistent drain on the battery. Newport Media might have that last problem solved through its new NMC1000 chip. The part is billed as the lowest-power 802.11n wireless system-on-a-chip you'll find, and potentially a big help to smartphones and other devices that lean heavily on a wire-free existence. At just 2.5mm (0.1 inches) square, the equally record-setting size should also please device makers trying to squeeze wireless into an exceptionally tiny footprint. If you're as excited about the prospect of WiFi everywhere as Newport's Stock Photography Woman above appears to be, you can get more details below and expect full-scale production in the fall.

Continue reading Newport Media claims tiniest, lowest-power 802.11n WiFi chip yet, smartphones get a little less thirsty

Newport Media claims tiniest, lowest-power 802.11n WiFi chip yet, smartphones get a little less thirsty originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.