|
Intel, the world's largest chip supplier, is set to release the first of its
new line of Internet appliance products in the summer of 2000. These
appliances will combine Internet access with telephony features such as
enhanced email and messaging services. The appliances, which don't have the
capabilities of a full desktop PCs, are being designed for easy access to
customers that do not want a regular PC. Intel doesn't plan to sell the
devices under its own name and is planning on resellers such as Internet
Service Providers to market the devices.
The machines, about the size of a standard computer monitor, will provide
easier Net access than current PCs. Intel will be showing these concepts,
but not the actual product, during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas.
Several newspapers have reported the products, which will run on Intel's low
end Celeron processors, will not utilize the Windows operating system but
will instead operate with the rival Linux OS. The move signifies a break
from Intel's long-standing relationship with Microsoft. Not only will the
machine run on Linux, the web browser that will be shipped with it will be
Netscape Communication's Mozilla engine instead of a Microsoft Internet
Explorer based browser.
Intel has currently lined up several customers for the Web appliances,
including NEC Corp.'s Biglobe in Japan, France's Laser-Galeries Lafayette
Group, and U.S. West.
Not to be outdone, Microsoft is previewing the new MSN™ Web Companion and
has demonstrated how consumers would be able to use the new device for
Web-based services, browsing and e-mail. It is based upon the Windows CE
Operating System (the devices will be tagged with a "Powered by Windows"
emblem) and is intended for people who want a simple way to get on the
Internet but don't have a need for PC-based applications. The device will go
to beta by the end of the year and will be available in desktop and laptop
formats.
Microsoft also plans to extend the reach of their MSN.COM site to a broad
range of non-PC devices, including PDA's (personal digital assistanst),
cellular phones and the television. As the first leading online service
provider to offer wireless notifications, Microsoft will extend MSN.COM
Mobile Service by working with carriers to allow more users of those types
of non-PC devices to send instant messages and view Web content such as
sports scores, news and weather information. The next version of MSN.COM
Mobile Service is scheduled to provide complete integration with MSN.COM
portal services, offering users more freedom in connecting to information
and services on the Web.
Microsoft and Intel are not the only companies who are developing web appliances. Whirlpool displayed a prototype of an Internet-connected
refrigerator at CES. The refrigerator included a handheld device with a
docking station on the door which will allow users to remotely monitor and
control the appliances and to access Internet-based products and services
for the home. The appliances will use Java and Jini technology from Sun
Microsystems along with technology from Cisco Systems.
|
"The
Year of Web Appliances"
