Sony talks with Intel about home networking

In an effort to play an increasingly central role in determining the

direction of the home networking market and the integration of computers,

communications devices, household appliances and home entertainment systems,

Sony is reportedly discussing a major technology alliance with Intel.

The deal is reportedly aimed at the two companies jointly developing

next-generation home appliance networks and products.



In jockeying for leadership position in the potentially critical future market,
Sony is trying to leverage its popular audio-visual products and rich

entertainment content. The company wants to play a central role in the digital

network era under which digital televisions, set-top boxes, appliances from

refrigerators to door bells, are being linked into home networks.

"We are in talks with Intel on a next-generation home appliance network

but have not decided any details yet on the matter,'' a Sony spokesman said.

Reportedly, the deal includes developing technologies for allowing simpler

transmission of visual images between personal computers and digital home

appliances. Much of the technology revolves around the Sony Memory Stick

technology that allows digitized video images, music or computer files to be

transferred among various sort of electronics devices on gum stick-like storage

units.

As part of its market strategy, Sony is planning to license the Memory Stick

technology to other companies in an effort to support an industry

standardization drive. In addition to a deal with Intel, Sony is already working

with Sun Microsystems to develop technology to allows home appliances, digital

video and audio equipment to be connected to the Internet.