As Steve Murtha tells WebProNews, the server is based on the Microsoft Home Server OS and is about value propositions.  The first value point that the server provides is protection. If a hard drive fails, someone could lose several years’ worth of pictures, video, and more.

The HP MediaSmart Home Server has a backup of up to 10 PCs or laptops in a household. In addition, it provides backup in the cloud with its third party ISPs through the open API.

The second value proposition is sharing. The server can stream media from the home server to networked computers. It also streams content to TVs, Xbox 360s, and mobile devices.

Thirdly, the server provides remote access. A user can access their home server from anywhere in the world via a URL, which allows for easy sharing of data.

The HP MediaSmart Home Server is available at prices starting at $299.

Intel’s WiDi requires a laptop PC based on the company’s Core processor family, HD graphics, and Centrino wireless technology in order to deliver the WiDi capability. Also, the Netgear Push2TV adapter is needed to receive signals from the laptop and display them on the TV. The adapter can connect to the TV through HDMI or AV cables.

This technology allows users to share content such as photos, Internet radio, YouYube, and Hulu with friends and family.  In addition, it eliminates the hassle of dealing with cables and cords.

Intel’s Wireless Display is currently available on Best Buy’s Blue Label 2.0 laptops and is sold together with the Netgear Push2TV adapter at prices starting at $899.

One would think the process would be complicated, but according to Intel, it’s not. The setup is basic with 2 cameras on a single tripod. Each camera puts out a video stream and with the Cineform Silicon DVR software, the 2 streams are combined.

As a result, a QuickTime file is created that loops back to a TV. Without polarized glasses, consumers see 2 images. However, with polarized glasses on, consumers can see 3D.

If you’re still wondering how this is possible, there is a secret behind it all. As the Intel representative explained, a lot of horsepower is needed in order for this to work, which is where Intel comes in. Cineform’s 3D technologies run on Intel’s Core i7 processor.

This technology is currently available at Cineform.

The device allows users to see the price of energy just by glancing at it. As a result, consumers can determine if they should do their laundry or wait until a later time to do it. The Home Dashboard also allows users to see the real-time energy usage around the house such as electricity, gas, and water.

In addition, if a house is networked with smart appliances and plugs, users can see how much each appliances is costing them each day. There is a real-time billing application as well with which consumers can access their bills. The system can predict the end-of-the-month costs based upon the household’s previous usage. This application can help consumers make any necessary adjustments.

Although the energy management feature is the primary application on the Home Dashboard, Intel also included other applications and functions in order to make it an everyday device for consumers. Intel told WebProNews that it was working with its customers to release a product of this nature by the second half of 2010.

Although referred to as the “crazy cool cuby-looking thing” by our very own Mike McDonald, Infoscape was actually designed for people to access information in a different way. Powered by Intel’s 2010 Core i7 Processor, the display included 1920×1920 resolution.

At any given time, users could access over 500 links of live information pulled from 20,000 different content sources. A few of the sources include Google, Flickr, and blogs.

Intel said the innovation was an exploration into how people might collect data and information in the future.

The Learning Series consists of two designs: Intel-powered clamshell classmate PC and Intel-powered convertible classmate PC. Clamshell classmate PCs have a sturdy, durable drop-proof construction design. They are easy to maneuver since they are lightweight and have a carrying handle. Clamshell classmate PCs also have traditional laptop form factor and include water-resistant keyboards.

The convertible classmate PC includes all that the clamshell has to offer but has a convertible tablet with touchscreen as well. The screen actually swivels 180 degrees. The convertible classmate PC runs on Intel’s Atom processor just as the clamshell does. Another special feature of the convertible classmate PC is called “palm rejection” because users can rest their hand on the touchscreen while the PC is in tablet mode and the screen will not acknowledge the palm’s pressure. Both classmate PCs are equipped with built-in cameras.

As part of its Learning Series, Intel revealed its initiative of working with vendors worldwide to make sure there are educational software, hardware, and services in various countries. Intel plans to work with local developers to create customized versions of the Classmate PC for specific local needs.

Lila Ibrahim, General Manager of Intel’s emerging-markets platform group said this about the effort:

“Our involvement with software and hardware developers ensures that the Intel Learning Series is culturally relevant, sustainable and supports local economies. Through the Intel Learning Series, we are gathering the great minds and experiences of the IT industry to create a fun and rewarding environment for the students to learn and develop the skills they need in the 21st century.”

Both Classmate PCs are available now. For more information on the product, visit www.classmatepc.com.

The technology is essentially a wireless driver and software update to Intel’s Centrino 2 processor-based laptops. It allows the computer’s built-in wireless networking chip produce a separate WiFi Personal Area Network (PAN). The software can connect to up to eight different WiFi devices without the need of an access point because the laptop becomes the access point.

The dual interface works with Intel’s 5100 WiFi Link and Intel’s 5300 WiFi Link adapters as well as existing antennas to manage both Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and WiFi PAN simultaneously.

My WiFi permits a connection to photo frames, cameras, and printers. Intel has also tested the software with the Zune and iPhone. The technology is very accommodating since users can carry on two (or eight) tasks at once. My WiFi is expected to be available for download by the second quarter of this year.

The processor offers high performance because it has a combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and 8 processing threads with Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match a user’s workload. Each Core i7 processor includes an 8 MB level 3 cache and 3 channels of DDR3 1066 producing the best memory performance of any desktop platform. The processor also delivers maximum performance of 3-D games and images.

Intel Centrino 2 Processor technology allows users to multitask since it creates a new experience in mobile processing performance. It contains a minimum of 3MB smart cache and 1066 Front Side Bus, which increases performance up to 50 percent. The Centrino processor technology promises up to 90 percent faster HD video encoding.

The processor technology offers the longest battery life possible allowing users to watch an entire Blue-Ray movie on just 1 charge. Also, since the processor technology is integrated with WiFi, it offers 5 times the speed when connecting wirelessly to a Wireless N home network.

The Intel Atom Processor is Intel’s smallest chip said to be about the size of a grain of rice. It is built with the world’s smallest transistors and designed for mobile Internet devices. Although the Atom processor is small, it allows for full Internet capabilities.

The processor includes many threads to ensure high performance and more system responsiveness. According to Intel’s website, the Intel Atom processor allows users to “stay in touch on-the-go, connect to business and enjoy entertainment, remain connected affordably with a new series of MIDs, netbooks and nettops, and so much more.”

For more information on this new technology, visit www.intel.com.

What are the benefits of videocasting over podcasting? What are the benefits of both over more traditional PR avenues? WebProNews had the opportunity to attend a panel of professional podcasters / videocasters at the PPME 2006 addressing these and other issues. Join John Furrier and Robert Scoble of PodTech, Jeff Nolan of Teqlo and Bill Kircos from Intel to learn about podcasting power and how it can offer innovative branding for your company.