Broadcom's WICED SDK Enables Wi-Fi HD Audio Streaming

Broadcom today announced an audio SDK for its Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Device (WICED) platform at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. For consumers, this could mean delivering audio from a Wi-Fi connected device to any speakers in a home -- wirelessly, without a docking station.

WICED is Broadcom's attempt to leverage its WiFi dominance into the connected home market, according to Rahul Patel, Vice President of Marketing for Broadcom Wireless Connectivity Combos. The idea, Patel said, is to provide those building equipment or home appliances -- anything from garage doors and thermostats to washing machines -- with an easy platform from which to network those devices.

The newest part of the portfolio is this audio SDK, which enables high definition audio streaming over Wi-Fi networks. The WICED SDK includes support for Apple AirPlay, DLNA, or an advanced streaming application for Android. Patel said that the SDK supports a variety of audio CODECS, including WavPack and Celt, and a number of audio sample rates. The SDK includes advanced synchronization and other fine-grain controls, according to Patel.

Patel said that multiple first-tier OEMs are working on implementing the WICED platform, with equipment to be released this year, but he wasn't ready to announce any of them just yet.

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