Intel promises widget-lovin' internet TV set-top-boxes at CES

Okay, so we suppose Intel could actually just showcase its widget-lovin' chip within an HDTV, HTPC or Blu-ray player, but our money is on prototype set-top-boxes similar to the Gigabyte unit that was showcased at IDF (and pictured above). Since that original showing, quite a bit has happened on the internet TV front. Practically all of the major STBs have integrated web content into their dashboards, and what was once the exception (one-click access to Hulu and Twitter from a TV-connected deck) has rapidly become the rule. To that end, Intel's hoping to wow onlookers at CES 2009 with early build devices that run mini-applications meant to "complement TV viewing with information from the internet." Not surprisingly, it'll also use Vegas as a springboard for introducing content partners, and hopefully, a few release dates. Seriously Intel, we need another STB by our television about like we need another hole in the ozone layer, so this better be good.

[Orappa @ Dec 16th 2008 8:42AM]

1. uhuuul

[Dal3Y @ Dec 16th 2008 8:58AM]

I would like to embrace TV over the Internet, but living in the UK, am I right in thinking the only real TV over Internet service available presently is Apple TV?

Does anyone know of an online based service offering say the same content level as say, Sky TV?

Cheers guys.

[crawdad689 @ Dec 16th 2008 9:46AM]

Why they can't just put this chip (with wi-fi) inside the actual TV is beyond me. You'd think they're at the point where they could do this on-the-cheap. Not to say that when this tech finally does come out, it'll initially only be available on $2500+ sets.

STBs FTL.

[CosterMonger @ Dec 16th 2008 10:04AM]

I already have a Wii and PS3

[my521 @ Dec 16th 2008 10:06AM]

Seems to me the real money would be in the content, which cannot be delivered unless they get these devices to the consumer in mass. the STB is much more likely to end up in a higher number of homes than the $2500 high end television. quicker to get to the store shelves as well.

[mark @ Dec 16th 2008 1:22PM]

my521 wrote:
Seems to me the real money would be in the content, which cannot be delivered unless they get these devices to the consumer in mass.

They should integrate it into the HDTV converter boxes if they want quick mass adoption.

[Logboy @ Dec 16th 2008 2:55PM]

my521 wrote:
Seems to me the real money would be in the content, which cannot be delivered unless they get these devices to the consumer in mass.

They should integrate it into the HDTV converter boxes if they want quick mass adoption.
---------------------------------

Or Blu-Ray players....

[Logboy @ Dec 16th 2008 2:56PM]

Meant to say....

AND Blu-Ray players

[Slyver @ Dec 16th 2008 5:20PM]

Reminds me of the wii :P