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Intel partners with Comcast, future chipsets will stream live TV without set-top box

Intel partners with Comcast, future chipsets will stream live TV without set-top box

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During its media event at CES moments ago, Intel announced a collaboration with Comcast that will permit hardware containing the company's future chipsets to stream live Xfinity cable programming without a set-top box. The added freedom is made possible through what Intel is calling a "home gateway" based on an Intel Atom core (with Puma silicon) that handles authentication with the cable provider. Intel says ultrabooks, all-in-ones, smartphones, and tablets will all be eligible for the cable-friendly silicon. The company has also made a similar deal with Bouygues Telecom in France, and Intel expects these chipsets to reach manufacturers in fall 2013. You'll still need to be in your home to stream content — a restriction the cable industry has also applied to various smartphone and tablet applications that can access live TV.