Wi-Fi Direct feature?

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Is the Xperia S supposed to have the WiFi Direct technology (doesn't show in the current .73 OS)? I was reading here that it apparently does: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_s-review-741p7.php Or is that a mistake?

Is it just a case of it waiting to be enabled in the next OS version (ICS) while disabled in the current one, or does the Xperia S not even have the chip inside for WiFi Direct capability?

For those who aren't sure what it is, it's for transferring files from phone to phone via wifi without needing a central hub like a home wifi modem. The Samsung Galaxy range all have it it seems.

[santam1]

Hi,

I guess it's for the NFC usage which uses  WiFi to transmit data to another device....so WiFi direct is added to this device for the NFC which will be enabled on 4.0 update..

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Direct#_

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From what i've read, WiFi direct doesn't require NFC, so not sure what you mean? The option shows up in the settings section and you simply select WiFi when you select a file to share (the option that pops up with share via bluetooth, email, messaging etc).

The Galaxy 2 has it and i believe the first one has it also.

Also, just read the Sony Xperia S whitepaper and it too mentions that the Xperia S has WiFi direct functionality. Hopefully it is in ICS but it would be nice if they made it clear rather than say it has the feature and then exclude it.

Found an example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCEawDprnOQ

[santam1]

I see...yup..I'm not much sure but it might be...but I think NFC uses WiFi to communicate...I mean NFC uses that technology not that uses for NFC...:p

Have a look..

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication#section_1

Or I might be wrong...too...it's better if Sony describe it clearly....:)

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Seems it can use NFC to help with faster pairing so that you don't have to enter the info yourself. It doesn't use NFC though for the actual transfer nor does it need it.

Similar to how the in new version of AirDroid you can just scan the onscreen barcode with your phone rather than entering the password.

Anyway; it's possibly going to turn up in ICS; but would be nice if a Sony representative could confirm that the XPS does indeed have the physical hardware (specific broadcom chip i believe) for WiFi direct capability, as even the Sony XPS whitepaper mentions the feature.

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I've found the answer...with no help from Sony "support"

WiFi Direct is not automatically built into Gingerbread, manufacturers have to add it themselves and modify the code as some of the better Android phone makes like Samsung have done.

IceCreamSandwich however comes with the feature included by default so it is a case of simply waiting for ICS.