14 DAY TRIAL // It's been a while since the CES event early last month, but since we're getting closer to a few other important IT-related events like CeBIT and the Intel Developer Forum, it would be best to go over one specific platform that Intel released at the Consumer Electronics Show, that is the Viiv Technology. The platform was launched also in Paris a few days ago as a huge event was organized in order to introduce Europe to Intel's hopes to be the winning hand in this year's IT poker game.
So far, Intel focused only on the insides of a computer system, processors and it was portrayed as a "serious" company. Now, things are starting to lighten up and so the company has decided to dedicate more of its resources to the entertainment side of computing. That doesn't mean that the company will overlook in any way the processing power, quite the contrary, as Intel has put together a platform which includes top solutions and products and the company wants to change its image from that of a product manufacturer to a platform provider.
Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PCs will help make it easier for families to download, store, view, manage and share all kinds of digital entertainment and information on their choice of TV, PC, laptop and hand-held viewing screens. These new platforms will be built using the 65 nanometer technology. This implies the Intel Core Duo processor (which was previously code names "Yonah") will be used, which features a unique design of two core processors the size of a post stamp, offering better performance-per-watt efficiency and sleek designs for entertainment PCs, notebooks and CE-like devices.
The Intel Viiv technology includes a suite of Intel-based hardware and software that combined with Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 will offer, according to Intel, brand new high-quality and exciting entertainment experiences. Based on a choice of powerful Intel Pentium D, Pentium Processor Extreme Edition and Intel Core Duo processors, these PCs will reflect a variety of features, prices and stylish designs, including "all-in-one" hybrid TVs and book-sized PCs.
Viiv platforms are scheduled to be available soon in a variety of shapes and designs, many as hybrid, all-in-one PCs, which resemble TV sets and small electronic devices, some as book look-alikes but also as "tower desktops". Several PC integrators all over the world have already announced that they will present over 80 systems based on the Viiv platform throughout the first quarter of this year.
So far, Intel has announced that it has established partnerships with over 50 of the main entertainment brands in order to test and later on provide services such as downloading movies, music and TV shows, but also the company plans on offering sports shows, games and photo storage services, and all of these are to be compatible with Viiv. And just so that people have an easier time spotting all the devices compatible with the Viiv technology, Intel has decided to have them labeled with an "Enjoy with Intel Viiv technology" tag. These devices should all work with each other, making consumer choices simpler.
PCs based on the platform will have a variety of entertainment options including support for both a minimum of 5.1 or higher surround sound and high-definition video. Systems may also instantly turn on and off with the touch of a button (when enabled, after initial boot) and could be used with TV-like remote controls when included with the system or purchased separately. Also, users will be able to install a TV tuner which will offer the possibility to record, stop and fastforward a certain TV show being broadcasted live, and have that content stored on a hard disk for playback. Later this year, the platform will add features that will simplify the set-up of a home network and the ability to transfer digital content from the PC to other devices such as set-top boxes and wireless routers.
According to what Otellini said as he unveiled the Viiv platform early this year, based on several specifications that he failed to detail upon, the Centrino Duo mobile technology will offer the perfect setting for the best entertainment experience for users on the go. In addition to performance, battery life and wireless connectivity options, systems will be available in a variety of sizes from thin and light laptops to more powerful ones with 17-inch plus widescreens, and surround sound, enhanced graphics and high-definition TV support depending on the model.
More than 200 PC makers plan to sell hundreds of unique PC and laptop models using these new products and platforms. Intel expects to sell tens of millions of these platforms and processors in 2006 using its industry-leading 65-nanometer and 300-millimeter manufacturing capabilities that enable more energy efficient and affordable consumer products.