BeIA FAQ
Frequently asked questions about
BeIA
What exactly is an Internet appliance?
An Internet
appliance is a dedicated device designed to specifically access
information from the Internet for a given purpose. It is typically
always on and has a user interface that fits its purpose. The
software and hardware are seamlessly tied together, so the user does
not know there is even software contained in it. For instance, you
may have an Internet appliance in your kitchen that is oriented
around ensuring that you are fed-meal planning, home scheduling,
menu ideas, ordering groceries, setting up reservations, checking
the weather, watching the news, getting a cooking tutorial, and
listening to music. Such a device could be a flat panel device that
fits right into your counter just like your microwave does now.
Why won't everyone just use a computer to log on to the
Internet?
The PC, although it is a wonderfully expandable and
open device, has several drawbacks as a dedicated Internet device.
First, it takes an inordinate amount of time to get on line. It
requires a large amount of knowledge to use it. It is not responsive
and stable like a consumer electronic device. The PC forces people
to work in ways that may not be right for the task at hand. For
instance, you do not have to "boot" your television or "shut down"
your CD player. PCs are often in the wrong part of the house to
accomplish what you want to do. In order for the web to truly become
ubiquitous, new classes of devices, with purpose-built user
experiences, will be created. The PC is great for business style
applications, but it isn't the right tool for every use.
Isn't a web browser and Internet connection all I need to
create an Internet appliance?
First, most existing web
content has been created for PCs running full-featured browsers such
as Internet Explorer. That assumes a high-resolution screen, access
to all web options like JavaScript, SSL, CSS, XML, and major
plug-ins such as RealPlayer G2. Devices will be compared to that
current web experience and anything that cannot render current web
pages will be considered inferior. Additionally, current content
most likely will not be rewritten to fit unusual formats, so a
device must work with what exists today in terms of content.
Finally, consumers have grown up with the immediacy and media
richness of television. They will expect their web devices to be
just as direct and offer the same kind of multimedia experience. A
simple browser without animations, sound and video will not gain
acceptance among consumers.
Why is BeIA the best software platform for Internet
appliances?
Be offers a complete end-to-end software solution
for system builders. BeIA meets the key requirements of builders and
consumers:
Requirement |
Benefit |
Modular with small footprint |
Use just the pieces necessary for a given device within
the cost considerations. |
Scalable for larger applications |
Can easily build larger applications and add new
applications as time goes on. Easy growth path for families of
devices. |
Easily customizable user experience |
Can completely control the user experience down to the
pixel. HTML front end for everything allows designers to do
all the work and to update look easily from a server. Fast
localization into other languages. |
Stable, responsive environment |
No rebooting, forgiving to consumers' quirky ways.
Immediate interface. |
Media savvy, low latency, supports all popular
formats |
Responsive, glitch-free playback of media to deliver an
immersive, media-rich experience beyond flat web
pages. |
Upgradeable quickly, extensible |
Fast and clean development environment enables
manufacturers to change, update and augment from the server
side. |
Popular plug-ins |
RealSystem G2 Player and Flash allow for exciting
additions to regular web content as well as QuickTime, AVI,
WAV, MP3 and others. |
Integrated full-featured browser |
Vast majority of web content and pages will load and
render properly. Users can shop, search, interact without
limitation. |
Consistent and full input/output options |
Support for new protocols like USB, IEEE1394 give
developers a way to add new functionality without having to
write their own drivers. |
Java VM |
Enables further customization and hosted
applications. |
Multiple hardware reference designs |
Give many choices for price and
functionality. |
Applications and server services |
Adds additional functionality desired without the
manufacturer having to do the work. |
Integration services |
A single point of contact to put all the pieces
together. |
Easy to use, modern development
environment |
Quick, inexpensive development of standard PCs for
rapid time to market. |
Why shouldn't I use open source software for my appliance
project?
If time to market is a critical consideration for an
Internet appliance project, BeIA makes far more sense than using
open source software. Also note that open source licensing
conditions often require the release of improvements to the
community as a whole-in other words, to one's competitors.
What integration services does Be offer?
Be has
relationships with major technology partners including Intel, Sun,
RealNetworks, and National Semiconductor to name just a few. This
means we have drivers for USB, IEEE 1394, printers, cameras, and
audio devices; codecs for playing and recording audio and video;
font technologies, and much more. Additionally, we are bringing
together a number of partners to provide device vendors a menu of
choices to include hardware reference designs, applications,
relationships with e-commerce companies and ISPs, and in-house
design work if necessary.
Is BeIA a turnkey solution for Internet
appliances?
Yes, we provide all the elements for a vendor to
deliver a device.
What are BeIA's hardware requirements?
We draw from the
"PC clone organ bank." BeIA runs on x86 architecture (Intel,
National Semiconductor, AMD) and Power PC processors. Device vendors
can choose from a number of systems with a variety of add-ons. BeIA
requires a minimum of 8MB of persistent storage (such as
CompactFlash) and 32 MB RAM on a single-processor machine like the
National Semiconductor Geode GXM chip, and can run on multiprocessor
systems with hard disks and Open GL acceleration with a multichannel
audio card.
What is an entertainment appliance?
A new wave of
entertainment devices that will look like home stereo components is
emerging that added access features for greater functionality and
growth. One such device might archive and catalog an entire CD
collection, push tunes down to a handheld MP3 player, stream
Internet radio, allow for time-delayed listening, and stream
different audio to different rooms of the house. Another might allow
for time-delayed watching of television or movies that come from the
Internet or cable, interactive game playing and additional program
information. We see such devices networking with other devices in
the house via several emerging home networking protocols such as
HPNA and Bluetooth.