"We still recognize the PC as the No. 1 home device," said Marta Hasler, director of marketing for Intel's home products group, "but we see the capability to bring the Internet to other parts of the home."
In early August, the chip maker announced a deal with Hughes Network Systems for an interactive TV set-top device -- the first of which will be America Online's AOL TV box -- that will integrate Internet content and DirecTV programming for U.S. audiences.
In early September, Intel announced a similar broadband deal with Pacific Century Group for the Asia-Pacific region.
Going global
The Nokia set-top will be based on Intel's PC architecture and will use an x86-based processor, the Linux operating system, and AOL's open-source Mozilla browser.
"At a very high level, Linux allows them more flexibility and faster innovation because they can control the product," she said. The Pacific Century Group will also use Linux as part of its broadband platform as well.
Intel and Nokia plan to use other open standards, such as Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) and the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) specification to deliver Internet content and enhance TV programming. The Forum already has 80 industry members.
Nokia expects the first product to be introduced in the second half of 2000.
"With the addition of Nokia, we are showing that our product is a worldwide offering," said Hasler, who added that the deals are nonexclusive.
