Intel ultrabooks, tablets to get 'free' Wi-Fi
updated 02:40 pm EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Intel partners with DeviceScape for built-in free Wi-Fi
Intel has completed a deal with DeviceScape to use its connection management technology, a partnership that will see future Intel Ultrabooks and tablets with access to a global Wi-Fi network. According to GigaOm, Intel's partners will have the option to ship their Intel-based computers with a public wireless connection already active.
DeviceScape maintains a crowdsourced virtual network, in which devices gather information on open access points around the globe. DeviceScape filters hotspots for speed, reliability, and availability to determine whether they are suitable for inclusion in its curated list of access points. The company's virtual network currently incorporates about eight million points of access, or roughly eight percent of the world's public hotspots and private access points.
The partnership with Intel would see Intel-powered devices automatically connecting to open access points. This would rely on Intel's standard Smart Connect manager and would keep the devices connected upon opening and also in closed-lid mode.
The always-connected nature of future Intel mobile devices could be a strong selling point, should the company see fit to offer the service for free. Intel, despite its dominant position in the notebook and desktop markets, faces intense competition from ARM when it comes to mobile devices, a fact that has seen the chipmaker moving aggressively toward increasing its offerings in this sector.
