UPnP Forum formally announced the UPnP+ initiative, which is a global alliance working towards device-to-device interoperability and enhanced home networking. The newly announced UPnP+ initiative seeks to deliver new technical capabilities to augment always-on connectivity. As the mobile Internet connectivity sphere is constantly evolving, UPnP+ is focusing its energies on cloud-based service delivery, smartphone content sharing, and the Internet of Things. 

UPnP+ will address key issues like 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, enhanced support for low-power and mobile devices, and bridging to non-UPnP networks (e.g. ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, ANT+). UPnP also includes standards for connected thermostats, lighting, remote user interfaces, telephony, and device management and also being applied in healthcare and energy management applications around the world.

James Brailean, PhD, president and CEO of PacketVideo (News - Alert) Corp., says, "As a company, our goal is to create consumer software products that work seamlessly across platforms, operating systems and standards. A part of our solutions include working with the UPnP standard and we look forward to contributing and working with this new UPnP+ initiative. We see this as an opportunity to better integrate solutions beyond devices into the products, apps, cloud and web services that consumers are currently utilizing and demanding. With this new initiative, the ultimate winner will be the consumer."

Ralph Brown, CTO, CableLabs (News - Alert), adds, "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 & 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."

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