The popular palm-sized ARM chip-powered computer known as the Rasberry Pi now has a competition, albeit more tiny.
Intel has recently announced Intel Edison, a computer housed in an SD card form factor powered by new Intel Quark technology. Though really tiny, it has all the works including a built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems.
Intel Edison will be made available—from prototype to production–for inventors, entrepreneurs and consumer product designers this coming summer, according to Intel Corporation CEO Brian Krzanich.
Krzanich introduced the Intel Edison during pre-show keynote for the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Along with the Intel Edison, a range of Intel products and initiatives were also announced. Intel’s focus is on wearable devices as the new products will run across a range of mobile and wearable devices as well as individual inventors’ own connected creations.
“Wearables are not everywhere today because they aren’t yet solving real problems and they aren’t yet integrated with our lifestyles,” said Krzanich. “We’re focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge. Our goal is, if something computes and connects, it does it best with Intel inside.”
Intel’s approach to this next evolution in computing is to create reference design devices and platforms ready for use by customers in developing wearable products.
Intel smart headset reference design
Some wearable reference devices include smart ear buds that provide biometric and fitness capabilities, a smart headset that is always ready to engage and can integrate with existing personal assistant technologies to make the consumer experience more intuitive, and a smart wireless charging bowl.
In addition to developing reference devices for wearable technology, Intel will offer a number of accessible, low-cost entry platforms.
These are aimed at helping lower entry barriers for individuals and small companies to create innovative Internet-connected wearables or other small form factor devices.
Krzanich’s keynote also focused on the importance of security in multiple devices.
New Intel Security brand will replace McAfee
A new Intel Security brand was announced as well as plans to transition McAfee products to the new Intel Security brand, which will still retain the familiar red shield.
“The complexity of keeping digital identities safe grows as mobile applications and devices become a more important part of our daily lives,” Krzanich said. “Intel’s intent is to intensify our efforts dedicated to making the digital world more secure, and staying ahead of threats to private information on mobile and wearable devices.”
Krzanich announced that Intel plans to offer elements of McAfee’s award-winning security solutions for mobile devices for free. These data and device protection solutions help guard today’s most popular mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
