Gateway to Use Crusoe in AOL Devices

Gateway said today that they plan to use Transmeta’s Crusoe processor and OS in their new Internet–access "appliances" that Gateway is developing with AOL. The move, while significant, came as no surprise as Gateway has already put up millions of dollars in financing to help the new chip company.



The Internet appliances, lighter versions of the standard PC, are designed for use on kitchen counters or desktops for Internet surfing and the like. Eventually they will be wireless devices that could carried around the home and stay constantly connected to the Internet.



Transmeta, which had developed its mobile chips in secret, unveiled a test system in January. "We promised Crusoe would usher in a new world of mobility. With their innovative approach to Internet Appliances for the home, Gateway and AOL are playing a significant role in moving that vision forward." David Ditzel, founder of Transmeta, said in a statement to the press.



A customized version of AOL’s Internet service will run natively on the devices, which will display web pages while also supporting e-mail and personalized settings. The devices, running on Transmeta’s Debian Linux based OS, may take some features from the rumored "AOL for Linux" as posted earlier on BetaNews.