Intel Corp, the world’s largest microprocessor manufacturer, revealed its newly-developed technology that enables users to switch on their computers through a phone call over the Internet and retrieve files via an Internet connection. The feature was named Remote Wake.

However, the new technology will work only on the new-generation computers. The current ones would have to be fully on to receive the phone call. The new component that will be formally announced on Thursday will permit computers to automatically “wake up” and go into a normal state of function when they receive the call. The computers will also be able to turn on their microphones and loudspeakers to alert the user and then connect the incoming call.

The first Internet telephone company to implement the new technology will be Jajah of Mountain View, Calif. The company’s chief executive Trevor Healy described Remote Wake as a step forward in turning the personal computer into a “much better center of communications in the home."

There already are programs which permit users to access files on their computers, but the current PCs must be left turned on in order grant access to their files. Intel’s new technology will provide access even when users leave their computers in “sleep” mode.

The first motherboards compatible with Remote Wake will be released by Intel in September, said Joe Van De Water, the company’s director of consumer product marketing. The new features will probably be implemented by smaller computer makers. Giants such as Dell Inc and Hewlett-Packard Co will come up with their own similar solutions on the motherboards manufactured by them, but Intel will surely supply them with technology too.

The first motherboards with Remote Wake capability will be made for desktop computers and will require an Ethernet cable-connection to the Internet. Wireless does not work in sleep mode.

Another aspect of the newly-developed feature is the power saving. The Remote Wake-capable computers won’t have to be in a full-power state to grant access to their files and receive phone call over the Internet. They will enter that state only when called and during the rest of the time they will remain on “sleep” mode and save energy. An average computer consumes nearly 60 watts of power, while in the “sleep” mode they consume only 10 watts.

"This is certainly something we're taking seriously," George Alfs, Intel spokesman, said about the energy-saving part.

Alfs added that the idea for the Remote Wake came from business customers. Intel initially developed the new technology for business computers integrated into corporate networks. The feat was developed to enable network managers to call the PCs during the night and make the necessary software updates. From there, the implementation of the new feature into ordinary desktop computers was just a logical step forward.

Intel has also teamed up with Orb Networks in Emeryville in order to show users how its software enables them to remotely download photos, music, videos and other data.

"Your computer can be asleep when you're asleep, and you can download without it being left on," said Robert Levitan, chief executive of New York-site and Intel partner Pando.

Jajah seems to make all the right moves as it slowly establishes itself as a link between Web companies and the phone system. About four months ago, it signed a deal to provide phone services for Yahoo Messenger and plans to offer the facility to switch on PCs to other instant-messaging and Internet voice services, like Google Talk and Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger.