Intel looks to add Wi-Fi and USB 3.1 support into next-generation chipsets

As we begin moving towards a total SOC there are still some technologies that work best as an external PHY on your motherboard.  Wi-Fi has always been an external device and works well that way allowing the user to determine if they want/need the technology and more importantly gives them a choice of which "speed".  (eg: ac,n,a,b,g etc)  However that was during the time where everything was pretty volatile and nobody had settled on one standard.

The same is true of USB.  At one point I read that Intel wanted to replace it completely and now they want to solidify it in a chipset?

I get it though, there is no innovation by doing the same thing over and over again and let’s face it there has been 0 performance advance since the launch of Sandy Bridge so "why not"

Intel reportedly is planning to add USB 3.1 and Wi-Fi functions into its motherboard chipsets and the new design may be implemented in its upcoming 300-series scheduled to be released at the end of 2017, according to sources from motherboard makers. Intel declined to comment on market speculation.

The decision is expected impact existing third-party Wi-Fi and USB 3.1 chip makers including Broadcom, which is a major supplier of notebook WLAN chips, Realtek Semiconductor, a major supplier of desktop WLAN chips and ASMedia Technology, which has a major share in the USB 3.1 market.

Although ASMedia is expected to see dropping orders for USB 3.1 host chips, the standardization of USB 3.1 technology will accelerate development of USB 3.1-based devices and increase demand for related chips and 10G signal redrivers and retimers, allowing ASMedia to land new orders.

Sadly, going this direction will send ASMedia and Killer the way of "Sound Blaster" and that makes me sad.

Related Web URL: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20161110PD210.html