Speculation mounted this week that Google and its partners will introduce plans for cheap, Internet-linked computers with the goal of changing the way consumers use computers and access the web.
Wyse Technology told RedHerring.com last month it has been in talks with the Internet search behemoth to make inexpensive Google-branded PCs (see Wyse to Make $150 Computers). Wyse’s hard-drive-less computers, called thin clients, are often used in clusters in business or organizational settings.
Separately, Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck penned a report last month musing about a Google device with multiple ports that can connect to the Internet as well as to TVs, stereos, and other entertainment players.
Google co-founder Larry Page is slated to take center stage on Friday at the Computer and Electronics Show—the industry’s largest trade show—and some believe that’s when the company will reveal a new computing device.
To be sure, Google has been typically cryptic about the speculation. Spokeswoman Eileen Rodriguez said Wednesday the company didn't plan to enter the PC market. "We would rather partner with great companies," she said, noting that Google has "many PC partners."
If the speculation is on target, it could mean new competition for a wide range of computer and electronics companies struggling to combine home computing with home digital entertainment.
“As long as one of them is connected to a broadband connection, the [Google devices] could form a mini mesh home network,” Mr. Peck said in his research report. “Obvious applications would include enabling IPTV to easily connect from the web to your TV and enable the transfer of video downloads from the computer to the TV.”
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Wyse Technology told RedHerring.com last month it has been in talks with the Internet search behemoth to make inexpensive Google-branded PCs (see Wyse to Make $150 Computers). Wyse’s hard-drive-less computers, called thin clients, are often used in clusters in business or organizational settings.
Separately, Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck penned a report last month musing about a Google device with multiple ports that can connect to the Internet as well as to TVs, stereos, and other entertainment players.
Google co-founder Larry Page is slated to take center stage on Friday at the Computer and Electronics Show—the industry’s largest trade show—and some believe that’s when the company will reveal a new computing device.
To be sure, Google has been typically cryptic about the speculation. Spokeswoman Eileen Rodriguez said Wednesday the company didn't plan to enter the PC market. "We would rather partner with great companies," she said, noting that Google has "many PC partners."
If the speculation is on target, it could mean new competition for a wide range of computer and electronics companies struggling to combine home computing with home digital entertainment.
“As long as one of them is connected to a broadband connection, the [Google devices] could form a mini mesh home network,” Mr. Peck said in his research report. “Obvious applications would include enabling IPTV to easily connect from the web to your TV and enable the transfer of video downloads from the computer to the TV.”
Click for more