Intel is winding down its consumer electronics division as the company continues its return to its core chip business. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based chipmaker Thursday confirmed that its Connected Products Division, which specializes in digital cameras, digital-audio players and toys, is in the process of being phased out. The company will sell the existing inventory of these products, which should last through the first part of 2002. But further manufacturing will cease. "The business didn't meet our requirements for long-term growth potential," an Intel spokesman said.
In addition, Intel will not come out with its Web Tablet Internet accessory, a prototype of which was shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Similarly, the Dot.Station, a countertop Internet appliance, will fade out. The company shipped 250,000 of the devices to AOL Avant, an America Online joint venture in Spain, but there are no plans to manufacture more. The representative, however, emphasized that Intel would continue to manufacture and sell its home networking products, which come out of a different division.
News source: CNET
