Intel's Skylake, which is the company's post-Broadwell next-generation platform, will allow the PC maker to eliminate the need for any cables by 2016.
Kirk Skaugen, Intel senior VP and PC client group general manager, was on stage at Taipei's Computex show. Skaugen demonstrated wireless capabilities for docking, charging and display, which are the last functions for the PC that still require cables.
A completely wireless PC has long been desired, but the idea has faced much difficulty because of the need for connecting cables by PC peripherals, along with the system's need for power.
Intel, however, already has a plan in place for completing wireless PC systems.
Intel is looking to use WiGig, a new protocol that can deliver speeds of up to 7 Gbps, to provide short-range docking for display and connectivity. The WiGig instantly connects screens and other peripherals when a tablet or laptop appears within the device's range, and also instantly disconnects as the tablet or laptop is moved away. The system will allow users to project what's on their computer screen to other computer screens wirelessly.
For power, on the other hand, Intel is looking at using Rezence, which Skaugen demonstrated. Rezence is a charging technology that uses magnetic resonance, and it is promoted by Intel-backed group Alliance 4 Wireless Power. The technology can be placed underneath the surface of a table, with the system's magnetic resonance able to charge devices through even 2 inches of wood. Also, unlike inductive chargers that can only charge one device at a time, magnetic resonance chargers can charge several devices all at once.
The system was also demonstrated by Skaugen at Computex, using a table installed with Rezence to charge a mobile phone, a headset, a laptop and a tablet simultaneously. Skaugen also announced new member companies of the A4WP, which includes Lenovo, Fujitsu, Dell, Panasonic and Logitech, to work with already partners Toshiba and Asus.
Apple has dabbled into magnetic resonance charging technology in the past, filing a patent for the technology. Rumors also surfaced that the company may use the charging technology for its iWatch.
Skylake is expected to be released by the second half of 2015. PC systems that will use Intel's wireless PC designs will likely be made available to the public by 2016.
Aside from a wireless PC system and wireless charging, Intel is also aiming to drop the prices of high-definition monitors and devices that use them to below $400 by the end of the year.
