Intel: Our future is the personal internet

Canmore can do more

Then, Otellini gave a first-time demo to Intel's previously announced System-on-a-Chip (SOC) technology. The processor is codenamed Canmore and Intel hopes it will power a whole raft of intelligent set-top boxes. The processor can play full 1080p video with 7.1 surround sound and also boasts a 3D graphics unit.

"Packaging several important functions - such as computing, graphics and audio-video processing - into a single chip will help devices do more while taking up less space and energy," commented Otellini.

Otellini demonstrated internet applications running on a Toshiba-developed MID using Adobe's AIR runtime. The Menlow concept will ship later this year. According to Intel press sources, the single chip design will consume 10 times less power than an ultra low voltage chip from two years ago.

Once Otellini had finished outlining his vision for the future internet, we had some practical demos to chew upon. Otellini was joined by Steve Harwell, lead singer of the band Smash Mouth. First, we saw Harwell joined by his bandmates over the internet using a way to jam in time with each other. The eJamming system uses peer-to-peer and takes account of net delays - though there is near-zero latency (apparently).

Noyce words

Next we were shown BigStage.com, which can create a 3D avatar from three digital images. Finally, OrganicMotion showed us a way in which Harwell was filmed by 14 cameras and the motion translated onto a PC. The result was that we saw a virtual reality representation of Harwell and his bandmates playing in a garage.

Impressive technology yes, but it didn't quite live up to the impression Otellini had already made.

To finish, he quoted Intel founder Robert Noyce, who said: "Don't be encumbered by history, go off and do something wonderful."

"Now's the time to embrace the opportunity," challenged Otellini before leaving the stage. He even gave us a wave.