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The HomeRF working group, formed in 1998 and included Intel, Siemens, Motorola and Compaq Computer, has disbanded. While the group blamed it's death on 802.11 (WiFi), it is Microcontroller.com's position that the specification never had a chance.

"To be frank, they never had a marketable model" quipped William Giovino, President and Senior Analyst of Microcontroller.com Consulting. "Since none of the home networking technologies we've examined have been practical, or even serves a consumer need, it's no suprise that none of the home networking technologies to date have succeeded."

HomeRF was intended to wirelessly transmit voice and data using consumer-based products, but was never able to gain momentum and never presented any clear benefits to consumers.

"Historically, technologists forget that in order for a networking technology to be successful, it must be applicable for both home and office", stated Giovino.

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