Qualcomm Says No to PC, Offers Kayak for Web Access
Qualcomm has introduced a PC alternative named Kayak for Net
connectivity in developing markets worldwide. Manufacturers can make a
wide range of devices based on the Kayak reference design. Initial Kayak
PC alternative units are being manufactured by Taiwan-based Inventec
Corporation.
The new
PC alternative aims to make high-speed wireless Internet access more
widely available and affordable in emerging markets. The Kayak PC
alternative leverages the widespread availability of 3G wireless
broadband to bring Internet connectivity to markets where wired Internet
access has often been difficult to access or unaffordable. It’ll fill
the niche that exists between desktop PCs, which normally require
landlines or separate accessories for connectivity, and Internet-capable
wireless devices.
The
Kayak PC alternative includes a reference design and recommended
software specifications that will be made available to device
manufacturers. Manufacturers can then design a wide range of devices
based on the Kayak reference design that take advantage of the high
level of integration, inherent connectivity, and comprehensive
functionality. The Kayak reference design uses Qualcomm's dual-core
Mobile Station Modem (MSM) MSM7xxx-series chipsets to provide both
computing and connectivity. Devices based on the Kayak reference design
will offer:
-
A
Full-featured Web 2.0-capable browser from Opera Software able to
perform at desktop resolutions
-
Access via the browser to Web 2.0 productivity applications
-
Support for both television sets and computer monitors to be used as
displays and/or for a built-in display
-
Compatibility with a standard keyboard and mouse for input
-
Music
player and/or a 3D gaming console functionality
Initial
Kayak PC alternative units, manufactured by Taiwan-based Inventec
Corporation, will be used to initiate user trials during the first
quarter of 2009 in Southeast Asia on both CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS)
networks.
