In a bid to capitalise on the accelerating growth of wireless computing, Intel released a new type of microchip with built-in wireless functionality on Tuesday.



The world’s biggest microchip maker also announced a series of investments to increase the number of “WiFi hotspots” – zones in which computers can connect through the air to a network with internet access.



Laptops built with Intel’s new Centrino chipsets contain an extra chip providing built-in wireless networking. The wireless component, called the PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection, works with the 802.11 wireless standard.



The chipsets also have a new version of the Pentium-M microprocessor, which has a number of tweaks designed to increase power efficiency and extend battery life.
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