Ichip Technologies develops combo computer to deliver Internet entertainment

November 26, 2007 – Indian firm Ichip Technologies has developed a device called the @Box that connects to the television and enables the delivery of Internet-based entertainment such as IPTV and Internet calls, at a cheaper price point than conventional PCs.

Mr Kota Bhaskar, CTO and President for Ichip Technologies, said that the device contains two processors developed by the company in house along with a Linux-based operating system, and once connected to a TV or monitor and the Internet can perform most tasks that a computer can, including surfing the Web and video conferencing.

“If you look at the usage of PCs at home, nearly 70-80 percent of its actual capabilities are hardly harnessed,” said Mr Bhaskar.  “And yet people spend about Rs 15,000 - Rs 20,000 [US$ 377 – US$ 502.50] for it.  What they require is a device that meets the basic requirements of surfing, handling word processing and the ability to make calls.  This has led us to develop @Box, that becomes the single point interface with the world.”

Ichip Technologies stated that it will launch the product “shortly”, and has also reportedly finalised a deal with one of India’s largest telcos.  The company added that it is in talks with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer the unit packed with new televisions, as well as with four large domestic telecoms carriers.

Mr K.A. Padmanabhan, Chairman and MD of Ichip Technologies, said that the @Box could be priced at about the same level as a mobile phone, but this depends on how the services associated with the box get bundled by the telco.