Skip to main content

Intel takes another step towards streaming service

intel-logo 

Intel is looking to enter the streaming media market in a big way by launching its own set top box and streaming service later this year to compete with existing streaming services, all of whom are battling each other for content and subscribers.

Recommended Videos

Intel’s plan may seek to meld together on-demand shows and movies with live television broadcasts as part of a hybrid model that would not only offer content from the past, but also recently aired programs that viewers may have missed. The latter concept is essentially how BBC iPlayer works, and to a lesser extent, Hulu. BBC’s iPlayer posts a show for up to seven days after the original broadcast on any mobile device that offers the app.

There is still no word on what sort of deals Intel has managed to strike with TV providers or content owners to get both live and past programming. Other than saying that “good progress” has been made, the company has been mum on what that actually means for consumers.

It’s also not entirely clear what Intel’s real end game is with this endeavor. Is the company looking to help shake up the TV industry or is this more a marketing strategy to ensure more devices running on Intel chips get into consumers’ hands?

Time will tell eventually, but the combination of hardware and software suggests that this isn’t meant to be a gimmick or a half-hearted entry into what’s really becoming a tight battleground. The platform will be open to third-party apps, and may offer tight integration with mobile devices (regardless of what processor is under the hood) to up the ante further. The box is even said to have a camera to identify multiple users in a home for a more personalized experience.

The live TV side of this presents the most intriguing possibilities, particularly because it’s something other major streaming services don’t really do. But it seems unlikely that big cable companies wouldn’t be averse to what Intel has in mind — especially since some of them are also Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The data pipes that route all the Web traffic needed to get that live content would be even more valuable, forcing providers like Comcast, Time Warner and Verizon to either compete with Intel’s new service or isolate it by throttling users who are connected to it.

In fact, Verizon is already attempting to pave the way for those very practices by arguing in a Washington circuit court of appeals that the Open Internet rules the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) instituted violate the First Amendment because the federal government has no right to regulate the Internet.

Ted Kritsonis
A tech journalism vet, Ted covers has written for a number of publications in Canada and the U.S. Ted loves hockey, history…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more