Apple's AirDrop file-transfer feature sounds an awful lot like it relies on Wi-Fi Direct: Wi-Fi Direct hasn't yet found its way into any desktop or mobile operating system as a built-in component. Wi-Fi Direct allows ad hoc-style connections between devices (computers, peripherals, mobiles, and others) using robust WPA2 security. Devices advertise services as part of the SSID broadcast, such as noting that they can be printed to.
AirDrop is a no-fuss way to swap files between two Macs running the Mac OS X Lion release, still in a preview/beta test phase. It notes specifically that it works wirelessly. I suspect Wi-Fi Direct underlies this. Apple already has Bonjour networking built in to all its computers, and relies on this feature being in most major printers. Bonjour announces services when you're connected to a network in a manner conceptually similar to Wi-Fi Direct.
AirDrop doesn’t require setup or special settings. Just click the AirDrop icon in the Finder sidebar, and your Mac automatically discovers other people nearby who are using AirDrop. You’ll even see contact photos for those who are already in your Address Book.
We'll find out eventually. Having Wi-Fi Direct built into an OS would mean opening up that OS to setup-free connections for printing, file transfer, tethering, and other purposes in a way that's much simpler than today's network connection and service configuration pains.
Update: I had a briefing with Apple. It is not Wi-Fi Direct, but it is awfully similar.
Hm, I would assume the automatic part only kicks in for other computers that are on the same network. Discovering other computers on other networks seems more than what's needed here. I'm also not sure people would like potentially getting file transfer requesters from anyone who happens to be within wireless range.
I confirmed with Apple that this will use non-infrastructure ad-hoc style connections, just like Wi-Fi Direct. Definitely, security issues. However, I expect it will be turned off by default and Apple will layer it with warnings, security, and encryption.
I was hoping this would be Wi-Fi Direct, making it compatible with everyone's computer. Still, if it works with Mac then I suppose that's good enough.
Would have been nice though and it is a coincidence.
My school's system admin is very worried about the security risk potential with the new Airdrop feature in the Lion OS. Has there been any feedback on the problem and remedy for schools? We're developing a 1:1 laptop initiative. As Director, I am in favor of a BYOD program, but this issue with Airdrop is a bomb that I'm trying to understand how we can live with in order to proceed.