We're very much involved in a number of next-gen wireless technologies such as 60GHz right now. Basically, 60GHz gives you high bandwidth wireless, but in a shorter distance, so it's more of a personal area network solution. There are other options, such as Powerline networking and so forth. Powerline's great, but there are still some real issues with noise and the quality of service issue. Coaxial cable works fine, but who would want to lay a coaxial network across their house?
We think that 802.11n improves the bandwidth significantly, but in many cases it's not sufficient for HD. So, at least for a number of years to come, there's going to be a mixed solution. Intel is actually working with the industry to develop an entire networking architecture.
TechRadar: Do you envisage an end to the traditional PC – its complex functionality as well as the language used to describe and use it? Will the consumer see only a consumer electronics device and interface with it in a more CE-friendly fashion?
Eric Kim: I don't think PCs are going to go away any time soon. The fact is that PCs have become an integral part of people's lives. TV is very much 'sit back and relax' with our family and friends; very simple usage and no complexities… they're two different sectors.
Innovation on PCs is not stopping by any means. You'll see all of the cool innovation on PCs first and then it will trickle down to handhelds and TVs. A lot of people get TV-centric internet content on PC today as it's not possible to get that on the TV. But when it becomes possible, consumers will enjoy video content on TV, because it's more convenient and it's easier.
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