The ‘internet via light’ company pureLiFi has unveiled LiFi-XC, the next generation of its technology that provides high-speed, bi-directional, fully networked and secure wireless communications.

Three times smaller than the previous device, the company said its LiFi-XC can now be integrated into laptops, tablets and smart appliances.

“Over the past year, we have been driving adoption of LiFi and deploying real-world applications of LiFi for our customers globally,” said chief executive Alistair Banham.

“We have now reached the point in miniaturisation where we will see LiFi move beyond the dongle and be integrated. The LiFi-XC is a big step towards getting this disruptive technology into every bulb and every mobile device”

The LiFi-XC is the world’s first certified, complete LiFi system, said the company. It consists of an access point and USB dongle that is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 10, Linux and macOS operating systems.

The firm said that this will allow pureLiFi to be deployed at scale and “meet the excitement and demand for this new technology”.

LiFi is increasingly viewed as a disruptive technology that can change the way the mobile internet is used as part of future 5G cellular networks while being an enabler of the emerging Internet of Things.

It will open thousands of additional channels for wireless communications and unleash unprecedented data and bandwidth, said the company.

Harald Haas, company founder and originator of the term LiFi, said: “It is extremely gratifying to see the vision we had over 10 years ago come to life with the launch of LiFi-XC which is not only testimony to the engineering brilliance of our highly skilled team at pureLiFi but also a significant step towards a fully connected world.”

Mostafa Afgani, pure LiFi’s chief technology officer added: “The LiFi-XC is not just an accomplishment in reduced form factor, we have also made substantial leaps in delivering a great user experience.”

The LiFi-XC offers plug and play connectivity out of the box and supports a wider range of off the shelf LEDs.

It supports multiple access, roaming, mobility and ease of use, said the company, providing a level of user experience that is comparable technologies such as Wi-Fi, “with the security and density benefits of the light spectrum”.