Intel Corporation today introduced the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N network connection, an upgrade to the wireless component found inside Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology and other Intel-based laptops that helps consumers better connect to wireless networks. As notebook PCs increasingly download broadband-intense content such as movies, videos and music, a more powerful networking solution is needed. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology addresses that need by offering users up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range - while providing up to an extra hour of notebook battery life when compared to existing Draft-N products.

In addition, Intel said it has initiated the "Connect with Centrino" program. Through this program, Intel has worked with leading access point (AP) vendors including Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link and Netgear to better ensure compatibility and performance. Intel's wireless-N product is certified to work with multiple APs and as these AP's successfully pass Intel's rigorous real-world testing certification criteria, they will display a "Connect with Centrino" identifier on their product packaging, allowing consumers a choice for connecting with more confidence.

"Integrating wireless-N technology into notebook computers based on Centrino Duo with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor delivers the speed, coverage and multi-tasking abilities needed for consumers to enjoy their home networking and digital entertainment," said Dave Hofer, director of wireless marketing for Intel's Mobile Platforms Group. "Additionally, access points that are identified by our new 'Connect with Centrino' logo assure consumers that they are purchasing a compatible wireless-N system."

The new wireless-N technology improves the home network experience - especially when multiple people access their wireless network simultaneously and enjoy bandwidth consuming applications such as audio and video entertainment. Intel's Next-Gen Wireless-N product reduces "dead spots" in the home; optimizes high-definition (HD) entertainment experiences such as streaming HD movies; improves battery life and provides the benefit of working with existing 802.11 a/b/g access points.

Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptops operate faster and more efficiently with Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N enhanced wireless communication capabilities. At the heart of the platform, the Intel Core 2 Duo processors have two processing cores - or computing "brains" - that can handle multiple tasks in less time while consuming less power. When integrated into Intel Centrino Duo-based systems running wireless-N, the Intel Core 2 Duo processors can improve viewing and playing back HD video, speed up conversion of songs into a digital format to upload to an MP3 player, and more quickly run the latest virus protection updates.

Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology as well as the "Connect with Centrino" identifier will be delivered in conjunction with new notebook computers powered by Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology from OEMs such as Acer, Asus, Gateway and Toshiba that are being distributed with Microsoft Windows Vista beginning in late January and other OEMs to follow. Click here to go to the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Virtual Press Kit.