Demand for draft 802.11n (pre-N) devices is expected to start picking up momentum in the second quarter of this year, buoyed by the launch of Microsoft's Windows Vista OS (operating system), according to sources at Taiwan-based network-equipment makers. New features of Windows Vista, such as improved multimedia streaming and higher transmission rate, may facilitate encouraging users to choose pre-N devices when they buy a Vista-capable PC, the sources indicated.
Recent market rumors saying that Intel may launch a new notebook platform, featuring a built-in pre-N WLAN module, in the first half of this year, also strengthened positive expectations for 802.11n products, the sources noted. Additionally, as the market for pre-N products becomes more mature, makers in line may significantly lower prices in the first half of 2007 to boost sales, said the sources, adding that some makers may begin volume shipments of new pre-N devices built using new-generation low-cost 802.11n chips.
News source: DigiTimes
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