Intel shows wearable computer, Edison
07 Jan 2014
Intel has built a computer the size of a small SD card! The device in "SD card form factor, uses Quark microprocessor technology that was demonstrated by Intel a few months ago.
According to Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, the "computer" was meant to be used in wearable smart devices like a health tracker or in everyday products like coffee mugs that had to be connected to the internet.
Edison also comes with built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems. According to Krzanich, it was a full system, a Pentium-class PC in the form factor of an SD card. Edison would be available in the middle of 2014.
According to Krzanich, wearables were not everywhere today because they were not yet solving real problems and they were not yet integrated with our lifestyles.
He added, Intel was focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge, adding the goal was, if something computed and connected, it did it best with Intel inside.
Intel also has Jarvis, a headset that integrates with a smartphone digital assistant which could be either an existing one like Siri or one which was in the works at Intel.
There are also smart earbuds that track biometric fitness data and draw the needed power from the headphone jack on the user's phone.
According to commentators what Intel has done with Krzanich's keynote was remind people Intel would not be left behind just because the technology was going mobile.
Commentators say Intel was dead serious about powering our computing devices for the foreseeable future and Krzanich kicked off the Intel "Make it Wearable" challenge, an initiative that calls upon the "smartest and most creative minds to consider factors impacting the proliferation of wearable devices and ubiquitous computing, such as meaningful usages, aesthetics, battery life, security and privacy".
According to commentators while the device may not be available anytime soon, Intel wanted to make sure people would be wearing something powered by Edison in the not too distant future.