One of the major reasons why Internet penetration in India is low is because of the dismal PC penetration.
Hyderabad based IChip has an interesting solution to combat this – @box.
@box allows access to broadband internet without having a typical PC around. The product allows the user to access the net through any display device, a TV for instance, or a projector etc.
Tech Specifications
The @box comes bundled with Firefox and includes full flash, HD video, 2D/3D graphics and a suite of applications. In other words what is available on the Net, which is perhaps everything, can be enjoyed or studied sitting on your sofa or a school bench, on a TV or projector at a marginal cost. – more
@Box costs Rs. 6,990/ (standard package includes keyboard, track ball, power adaptor and a cable to connect to the television) and the company has partnered with BSNL Broadband to supply @Box to its rural subscribers at a subisdised cost of Rs 2,500 per set (via).
What’s your opinion on @box technology? It does has the potential to change the India’s Internet penetration story.
Ashish Sinha