UPnP Forum has announced its UPnP+ initiative, focused on delivering new technical capabilities to enhance functionality.
UPnP+ will focus on expanding connectivity as new paradigms for mobile connected computing evolve, including cloud-based service delivery, smartphone content sharing, and the internet of Things.
Key areas UPnP+ will address include: full integration of IPv6 with seamless backwards compatibility to IPv4. Integration of content and services from the cloud. Access to UPnP devices and services from web browsers. Improved support for low-power and mobile devices. Grouping or pairing of similar devices and services.
Also envisaged is bridging to non-UPnP networks (e.g. ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, ANT+) for a broad range of applications including health & fitness, energy management, and home automation
UPnP is best known as the set of audio/visual and firewall control standards used in consumer electronics and residential gateways. However many UPnP standards go beyond just media and networking, including standards for connected thermostats, lighting, remote user interfaces, telephony, and device management. Additionally, UPnP standards are being integrated into web browsers and applied in healthcare and energy management applications around the world. UPnP+ builds on all these existing standards with new features and capabilities in a complete, integrated solution that will enable the next major phase of UPnP functionality.
“UPnP Forum has taken a key role in the technologies and standards market for device interoperability,” commented Jinpil Kim, the team leader at standard technology and development team, LG Electronics.
“LGE has been contributing to developing UPnP standards and deploying UPnP capable devices: the UPnP based SmartShare is becoming the crucial feature for our various types of high-end devices. UPnP Forum is now stretching its step toward expanding the ecosystem with the UPnP+ initiative and leading the emerging market by covering the Cloud and bridging distinct protocols. We believe that this initiative will provide a great experience for the consumer and create new values and opportunities for members, and we are happily looking forward to participating in the step forward.”
Ralph Brown, CTO, CableLabs, added: “UPnP home networking provides the basis for discovery and communication between connected cable equipment and other devices in the home. With UPnP+, UPnP Forum is moving beyond media devices in the home to provide connection with cloud services, support for IPv6, integration with new networks of devices (health and fitness, energy management, security, etc.) and implementation in web browsers. We see these features as important strategic ingredients in the development of future cable industry products.”
