New York – Intel Labs gave a peek inside its workshop today, here,
showing off examples of several upcoming products based on Intel processors and
technologies.
Among the first devices expected to work their way into the
consumer electronics space is Light Peak. Light Peak is an optical-based
input/output interface first introduced last year at Intel’s developer’s forum
and shown again at International CES by Intel CEO Paul Otellini. It is designed
to replace USB, HDMI and a host of other connectivity technologies, said Jeff
Demain, an Intel Labs researcher.
Light Peak has a 10GBps data-transfer speed with the potential to
hit 100GBps with further developments, and it is backward compatible with USB.
Demain expects the first computers featuring Light Peak to be on
the market in the second half of the year.
For the car, Intel has worked with OEM supplier Visteon to
develop a new in-car computer system dubbed The Connected Car. It features a
constant Web connection via a 3G or 4G service, allowing for a constant data
stream and the ability to access traffic and entertainment content on the go,
said Michael Eichbrecht, a developer with Visteon.
The Connected Car is based on an Intel Atom processor and will be
ready for aftermarket sales sometime next year, said Intel’s Susan Yost, who is
with the company’s embedded and communications group. Factory-installed
versions of The Connected Car will become available sometime after 2013, said
Eichbrecht.
Intel also displayed its Intelligent Home Energy Management Concept.
This is a small desktop-computer-type device that does more than simply monitor
a home’s energy use, said Ed Hill of Intel’s embedded and communications group.
When working in conjunction with smart or Web-enabled appliances
it can tell a home owner how much energy is being used, said Hill. However,
since it is connected to the Web, it can go out and gather additional
information ranging from an appliance’s Energy Star rating to finding a more
energy-efficient product as a replacement.
Intel is working with utility companies on the device, and Hill
said products could be available in the next year or two either from a utility
or as a retail product.
