Belkin "Defects" to WiMedia... So, is Cable-Free USB Dead?

Hype has built up since CES 2006 surrounding Freescale's Cable-Free USB, which promises to be the easiest way for manufacturer and consumers to cut the USB cord. Months have passed, but there's still no word on retail availability of Cable-free USB devices. However, Belkin today has told us that they are switching to WiMedia's UWB MAC, powered by Wisair. This isn't exactly Certified Wireless USB yet, but it's pretty close. What is certain is that Freescale lost another partner. So, you could say the future of this alternative WUSB standard looks grim. Fortunately for us, Belkin and Wisair jointly announced mid-December 2006 as the release date of the CableFree 4-port Hub. Though, at $199.99, it will take a while before this becomes affordable. Nothing about the range nor the expected actual speeds.