Broadcom today announced an expansion to its wearable devices platform that will include Wi-Fi direct technology. 

According to the company, integrating Wi-Fi Direct into its Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) platform, Broadcom is helping OEMs develop wearable products that communicate seamlessly to the cloud via smart mobile devices. 

The new solution is aimed at the emerging segment wearable and embedded devices, including blood pressure monitors, glucometers, smart watches, fitness bracelets and more. 

The Wi-Fi Direct specification allows two devices to communicate with each other securely via Wi-Fi without an access point or computer, making possible the transfer of information between the device and a smarpthone. 

Broadcom and other chipmakers are moving to meet the needs of OEMs looking to address the wearable connected devices market. Samsung today confirmed that it will be unveiling a smartwatch in early September, and Apple is rumored to be keeping an “iWatch” under wraps for a Fall launch. 

Juniper Research projects nearly 15 million wearable smart devices will be sold this year, and nearly 70 million by 2017. Those devices will use technologies like Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi direct to communicate with smarpthones.