Intel is reportedly struggling to get its internet TV service off the ground, after failing to sign any major content deals.
The firm's inexperience with content providers means it's having trouble persuading key TV providers to join the project, according to reports.
Sources told Bloomberg that Intel is after a strategic backer that can both fund and help push the service.
According to All Things Digital, Intel has approached Amazon and Samsung as possible candidates - but if it doesn't find a partner, the project will be scrapped.
Uncertain future
Announcing the service in February, Intel Media vice-president Erik Huggers originally pitched the idea as a rival to cable TV, with on-demand content and live programming.
At the time, Huggers stated that the firm was working on signing content deals and said the service would be ready before the end of the year, along with an accompanying set-top box.
According to Bloomberg, however, Intel has refocused on getting into mobile under the stewardship of new CEO Brian Krzanich, to the detriment of its TV plans. The internal view is that the company will now need a partner to get the service to market.
Turning to Samsung could make sense, given it's the biggest seller of connected TVs, according to first-quarter data from Strategy Analytics. The company accounts for a quarter of all shipments already.
It's less clear what form a partnership with Amazon may take. The firm is rumoured to be working on its own set-top box, featuring Amazon content such as its video-on-demand catalogue and Lovefilm.
The three firms have not responded to a request for comment.
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