Intel promises new Internet era through mobile devices

by Stevie Smith - Jun 4 2008, 11:38

Addressing attendees during his keynote speech at the Computex expo in Taipei, Intel executive vice president Sean Maloney has said that the convergence of Intel Corp’s ever more powerful processing technology and high-speed WiMAX wireless networks will create a new era of full Internet performance on mobile devices.

According to Maloney, executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s Sales and Marketing group, the emergent combination of mobile Internet devices (MIDs), superior WiMAX wireless broadband, and powerful HD-rich computer technologies suggests that Intel (and the industry in general) is heading towards a significant growth opportunity.

“Individuals -- not households -- will drive the next era of growth with people each owning one or more computing devices,” commented Maloney. “People have an innate desire to be ‘connected’ all the time and see personalized, mobile technology as the way to meet that need.”

During his keynote, Maloney showcased approximately 100 different Intel processor and chipset-based motherboards, netbooks and net-tops that are being carried by computer manufacturers during the high-profile Computex trade show.

In terms of clarification when it comes to Intel’s specific hardware labelling, the California-based company’s “netbooks” are essentially small form ultra-mobile notebooks -- such as the ASUS Eee PC -- designed for “children, first-time Internet users and people who desire an extra PC… for basic computing applications, listening to music, e-mailing and surfing the Internet.”

Similarly, “net-top” devices fulfil the same core applications while being small form desktop computers -- much like the recently announced ASUS Eee Box computer.

To tie in with Intel’s belief that netbook and net-top devices will this year surpass the sales growth attributed to traditional notebook and desktop hardware, Maloney also took the opportunity to roll out two new Atom processors, designed specifically for mobile Internet devices.

Intel also pulled the covers from a range of new 4 Series Chipsets for mainstream desktop PC systems powered by the company’s latest 45nm Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors.

“The Internet is going ‘high-def,’” said Maloney. “Desktop PCs with these new chipsets let you enjoy, share and protect your digital life. They have the processing power and graphics to deliver stutter-free HD video playback, improved 3D performance and leading storage capabilities.”

In lauding the advantages of WiMAX wireless technology, which is far superior to existing Wi-Fi networks, Maloney said that the ongoing spread and adoption of WiMAX will provide a healthy global footprint that makes the Internet open, fast and mobile.

“Mobile WiMAX is the right solution and it’s happening now,” Maloney added. “Wireless networks will be how the majority of people get connected and they have to be Web 2.0 capable. That means they’ve got to have a lot of bandwidth to send data either to or from devices at a rapid-fire pace.”

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