Intel unveils Wi-Fi chairs, constructed out of recycled computer cables, to symbolise wireless Internet revolution

Wednesday 13th August - As Intel today unveils its specially commissioned Wi-Fi Chairs, to celebrate the growing wireless Internet revolution taking place in the UK, research from analyst house Gartner shows that Britain is leading Europe’s drive to access the Internet wirelessly. The number of people using wireless hot spots in the UK to connect to the Internet is set to reach 456,000 in 2003 and the number of installed hotspots will climb to over 4,100, accounting for 27% of Europe’s total number of hotspots, ahead of Germany on 23%.

The Intel Wi-Fi Chairs, created by a top international design team at the Design Laboratory, - part of Central St Martins College - have been designed to make use of the growing number of computer cables being discarded as a result of the growing wireless Internet phenomenon. The chairs contain “fossilised” computer cables, encased in clear resin, to reflect the end of the cable era. The chairs are designed to be placed in select hotspot locations, like train stations and hotels, allowing hotspot users to access the Internet and email in comfort. The project was inspired by Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology which integrates wireless capability into a new generation of mobile PCs.

UK wireless Internet usage is also set to increase rapidly, with Gartner predicting that the number of frequent users of UK wireless hot spots will more than double in 2005 to reach over 1.5 million.

Commenting on the growing trend towards wireless living, Ian Keene at Gartner said: “As PC users increasingly want to stay connected on the move, wireless LAN technology adoption is starting to gain real momentum. The UK is in the forefront of the wireless revolution in Europe and usage is set to grow dramatically as people start to appreciate the benefits of staying connected to friends, family and work colleagues on the move.”

Jill Fehrenbacher of the Design Laboratory commented “The Intel Wi-Fi chairs were created as a way of letting the public experience this revolutionary new technology. The aim is to inspire people to explore the possibilities of wireless technology and we are already in talks with manufacturers about making them available nationally to take this further. This project is part of the Design Laboratory’s ongoing relationship with Intel bringing technology to life through conceptual designs.”

“We are delighted to be unveiling these innovative Wi-Fi chairs today, as they symbolise the exciting new trend towards wireless computing in the UK. Intel is proud to be playing a central role in enabling Britain to “unwire”, commented Rick Skett, director of UK and Ireland, Intel.

-Ends

NOTES: The chairs will initially be displayed at the Deluxe Gallery in Hoxton Square from August 12th – 29th and September 25th –28th at 100% Design, Earls Court.

Launched in March 2003, Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology is Intel’s new technology designed specifically for the growing number of mobile PC users. It offers breakthrough mobile performance enabling a new generation of highly portable slim and light PCs offering long battery life, great performance and in-built wireless LAN connectivity.

About Intel Corporation
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.



About The Design Laboratory

In 1999 Central Saint Martins set up The Design Laboratory ‘with a mission to bridge the creative gap between art and design education and the challenging world of global design consultancy’.

Since then its team of twenty recent international CSM graduates have been furthering their careers through a multitude of design projects, using creative thinking as a strategic business tool. As part of the Innovations Centre at Central Saint Martins, which opened in March 2003, The Design Laboratory solves the most complex of design problems for a wide spectrum of clients. Its watchword of ‘Creative DNA’ reflects the diverse talents of the individuals who make up the team.

Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. For more information on Intel’s mobile performance, visit: http://www.intel.com/performance