Block off the old chips: here comes a single-chip VoIP handset solution

VoIP wireless handset sales are filtering down from mainly systems-integrator enterprise distribution and use to the shelves of consumer electronics retailers.

To achieve major penetration, and really kick-start a move away from today's phone-router-PC model, VoIP handset prices need to come down to the point that they won't be a separate ticket item. They'll need to come down in price to the point where VoIP service providers will be able to assume the cost, and offer you such a handset if you sign up.

Since part of the cost of manufacturing these handsets is chip-related, the more efficient and integrated the chips the better. That's the impact of new products such as the 88W8618 system-on-a-chip just announced by Marvell Technology Group.

Marvell says it is currently offering the chip to key manufacturers and service providers for testing.