Digital Home : Azalia
Yesterday Intel discussed with us about the "Digital Home", this concept was again discussed today, the main aim for Intel is that every system within the house converges with all legacy items, so your TV talks to your PC, and your HiFi too. The best way to do this is via a Digital Media adapter - this is something which LinkSys have developed from an Intel reference design.
Following on from this is the need for software span, which is written once and run on many different platforms from PDA/Handheld, Laptop, Desktop, and Cellphone, this is a much wider spectrum to be looked at by developers but it enables the consumer to use their data in different environments but with the same outcome. For example on your PDA, Laptop, Desktop with automatic resizing etc.
Continuing on the Multimedia front Intel talked about their new sound solution: The Azalia, this is going to feature dynamic DVD audio. It will also have multi stream capabilities, and dolby digital support. This will help in the office as it has improved voice regonition due to an improved host array microphone. It can also be used with VoIP, the full specification is going to be released this year and will be shipping Q1 04.
That concludes our writeup on the Day 2 keynote, we have seen a lot of new and upcoming products - some of these are very exciting and we look forward to seeing them. One thing which is important to remember is that some of the things are concepts and it will take manufacturers to get onboard to develop final solutions.
