Whenever we hear the name “Cisco,” most of us (well, at least those who have some sort of direct connection to the world of IT) will immediately think of networking devices and solutions. Indeed, for the recent few years, the company has dominated this specific segment, but it would seem that this is not enough, as it plans to enter the world of consumer electronics as well.

So, as Saul Hansell from the New York Times reports, after interviewing a Cisco rep, it would seem that this traditional manufacturer of routers, switches and all sorts of other networking products (which bring to us our beloved Internet) has prepared interesting surprises for the next year's CES. And no, we're not talking about some high-end router that will be able to cover a few square kilometers with high-speed, broadband Internet, but something a little more mundane, like... a stereo system.

As expected from a company for whom “wireless Internet” holds no secrets, the respective stereo system will allow users to tune in to their favorite songs, stored onto a server connected to their home network, or even somewhere on the World Wide Web. However, this is just the beginning, since Cisco plans on targeting an even broader range of consumers.

Thus, apparently, the company also plans to release some new device that will allow users to watch Internet video on their televisions more easily, as well as communicate faster with other people at great distances, by using a highly innovative videoconferencing system called Telepresence.

Of course, for the time being, these are mostly rumors and speculations, but even if Cisco does manage to come up with such an array of consumer-oriented products, it remains to be seen just how well they fare on a market where Cisco has no tradition.


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