In Otellini's vision, handheld devices of the future - powered by a new-generation of Intel chips - will instantly translate street signs from one language to another and do near-instant voice translations between people of different countries who meet on the street. They'll also recognize their surroundings so well that they'll be able to direct users to the nearest bathroom.
Nearer term, Otellini's personal Internet will allow more sophisticated social networking sites that might, say, let musicians hold virtual jam sessions like the one Smash Mouth put on using a system that displays their real-time movements via lifelike avatars.
"When the computer became personal, the industry changed," Otellini said. "I believe the personal Internet will follow the same path."
