New standard allows you to wirelessly connect gadgets without a router

A new wireless connection standard will allow any Wi-Fi-enabled gadget to connect wirelessly with another without having to go through a wireless router.

Expected in mid-2010, Wi-Fi Direct will automatically detect and connect a Wi-Fi-enabled device to another within a 300 foot range, including laptops, cameras, televisions and printers.

It's the future of connectivity between our various electronic devices -- and it may just put Bluetooth out to pasture.

The Wi-Fi Alliance, which includes major tech corporations such as Intel, Microsoft, Apple, Sony, Dell and Cisco (maker of Linksys routers), says the technology will provide the same speed and range as traditional Wi-Fi, except now it's with a peer-to-peer connection.

That means Wi-Fi will be a lot more pervasive -- and it won't be nearly as hard to find a hotspot.

The next problem: how do you secure it all?

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com