However, what makes Bluetooth useful is the software stack - the profiles on top of the core protocol. WiFi follows the rules of certification laid down by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA).
It connects via USB 2.0 or Ethernet to a docking station. Dr Nikhil Balram, VP at SONICblue's Connected Home Products unit, predicts the device "will turn heads". Intel will provide XScale mobile chips, the brains for the device, and video codecs.
More manufacturers are adding networking connectivity to their products, allowing electronics devices such as televisions or stereos to link to PCs via Ethernet or wireless. Wi-Fi chips are as low as $8 to $9, which includes the Wi-Fi chip radios.
In addition to the basic features of a game console, PSX will offer a DVD recorder, a 120GB hard drive, a TV tuner, an Ethernet port, a USB 2.0 port and a Memory Stick slot. Sony on Wednesday introduced the PSX, a follow-up to the hugely popular...
Power over ethernet is currently offering a maximum of 13 watts, plenty for a low power device but nothing like the requirement of a typical computer. Offering this through the ethernet link has attractions but only if the network link is a cable.
Both models come with 512MB of memory, Gigabit Ethernet networking, FireWire ports and four USB ports. The low-end model sells for $599 and comes with a 1.5GHz Intel Solo single-core chip, a 60GB hard drive and a combo drive that can play DVDs and...