Intel Chipset News Update: Intel USB 3.1, Wi-Fi Included In Late 2017 Chipsets; Broadcom, Realtek, And ASMedia Are Threatened?

Intel's slow rollout of its new seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors has been the subject of several headlines lately, but not in a totally negative way. The main focus appears to be the new technology it offers in its supporting 200 Series chipsets manufactured specifically for motherboards.

Several unnamed sources however are already focusing on the sure-to-follow Intel chipset 300 series batch, which are expected to arrive by the late 2017. These revelations seem to come from actual motherboard makers who claim Intel will burn USB 3.1 and Wi-Fi functionality right into the upcoming Intel chipset.

Intel may add Wi-Fi, USB 3.1 to next-generation chipsets https://t.co/JgXXgW0UGS pic.twitter.com/8OWZ6Rf4Y6

— ExtremeTech (@ExtremeTech) November 12, 2016

This may sound good for the end-user, but the upcoming Intel chipsets could spell trouble for third-party producers that currently manufacture USB 3.1 and Wi-Fi motherboard components. Companies affected should include Broadcom, Realtek, and ASMedia, all powerhouses in the manufacture of USB 3.1 and Wi-Fi connectivity components for both laptop and desktop motherboards.

For ASMedia, the impact may not be as big as anticipated. Although the company expects USB 3.1 "host" orders to drop, the motherboard market is not the only avenue for their hardware.

With USB 3.1 now an industry standard, product development based on this technology (e.g., external devices) is expected to grow even faster and provide new outlets for companies like ASMedia that relies on the USB 3.1 standard for their products.

ASMedia also has a contract with Intel rival AMD to provide some of its chipsets, which could lessen the blow somewhat for ASMedia.

Whether Intel's move to integrate USB 3.1 and Wi-Fi into their chipset for a late 2017 release remains to be seen. This will of course become the thing of the future.

For now, third-party manufacturers such as Broadcom, Realtek, and ASMedia will have to bear the impact and be content with the prospect of new products to surface. For end-users, upgrades such as upcoming 2017 Intel chipsets should be an interesting thing to watch out for.