Imagine always being able to connect your computer to the Internet even if you’re nowhere near a Wi-Fi connection, an Ethernet cable, or an Internet dongle.
The idea of an always-connected PC has been floating around for some time. Now it seems that pieces are coming together.
Computers using Intel Corp.’s (NASDAQ: INTC) Skylake processor microarchitecture are likely going to be released soon, according to Mark Hachman, senior editor of PCWorld.com reports. The Skylake platform will include built-in LTE support.
Intel is reportedly poised to release its Skylake hardware reference designs to computer makers such as Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo by 2015.
Instead of physical cables, machines will use 802.11ac for connecting to indoor Wi-Fi networks, WiGig (wireless Gigabit, a wireless communication technology developed and promoted by the Wireles Gigabit Alliance) for connecting PC wirelessly to displays and charging mats, and LTE data connections for Internet access on the go.
Even wireless carriers are getting involved. Hachman did not name any companies but said work is being done on developing data plans that will support always-connected PCs.
Shared data plans, which put multiple devices under a single wireless plan will be needed to make this an attractive proposition.