CES 2015: Intel unveils button-sized computer module for wearables

During a keynote address at the International CES 2015 expo in Las Vegas this week, Intel unveiled its smallest computing module yet.

Intel Corporation this week announced a number of technology advancements and initiatives, led by the Intel Curie module, a button-sized hardware product for wearable solutions – in effect a computer that can be integrated with any object.

Other announcements included new applications for Intel RealSense cameras spanning robots, flying multi-copter drones and 3-D immersive experiences: and a broad, new Diversity in Technology initiative, which includes a $300 million investment to encourage more diversity at Intel and within the technology industry at large.

“The rise of new personal computing experiences, intelligent and connected devices, and the wearable revolution are redefining the relationship between consumers and technology,” said Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO.

“Our goal with Intel technology is to help solve real problems and enable experiences that are truly desired by people and businesses. In order to do this, we must also do more to lead the growth of diversity and inclusion within the technology industry. Women and under-represented minorities will continue to play a greater role as consumers, influencers, creators and leaders.

Krzanich made the announcements during a keynote address at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show. He also unveiled a wearable device collaboration with Oakley, a leading product design and sport performance eyewear brand, a 3-D collaboration with HP, and highlighted True Key, a new cross-platform application by Intel Security that uses personal factors like the face, device or fingerprint to make logging in easier and safer.

Intel’s Brian Krzanich holds the Intel Curie button-sized prototype

Krzanich disclosed plans for the Intel Curie module1, a tiny hardware product based on the company’s first purpose-built system-on-chip (SoC) for wearable devices. The module is scheduled to ship in the second half of this year and includes the Intel Quark SE SoC, Bluetooth low-energy radio, sensors and battery charging.

Intel has been actively pursuing the wearable technology segment, and since Krzanich revealed several projects here last year, the company has announced multiple products and initiatives with different fashion, fitness and lifestyle brands. These efforts include Basis Peak, Fossil Group, Luxottica Group, MICA and Opening Ceremony, SMS Audio, and the Intel “Make it Wearable” challenge.

Building on this work, Intel and Oakley announced a strategic wearables collaboration. Oakley is the first Luxottica Group brand that Intel is working with to fuse premium, luxury and sports eyewear with smart technology. Krzanich was joined on stage by Colin Baden, CEO of Oakley, who said the companies are working on an intelligent product, available later this year, designed to enhance athletes’ performance.

Krzanich also highlighted Nixie, the 2014 “Make it Wearable” challenge winner and the first wearable camera that can fly. Nixie rests on a wrist like a bracelet, then unfolds and takes flight on cue to take a shot of a person “in the moment”.

Accelerating Diversity in Technology

Krzanich, who acknowledged a recent confluence of events related to women and under-represented minorities, announced the Diversity in Technology initiative.

To support this initiative, Intel has set a new hiring and retention goal to achieve full representation of women and under-represented minorities at Intel by 2020. Full representation means Intel’s U.S. workforce will be more representative of the talent available in America, including more balanced representation in senior leadership positions.

Intel also plans to invest $300 million to help build a pipeline of female and under-represented engineers and computer scientists: to actively support hiring and retaining more women and under-represented minorities: and to fund programs to support more positive representation within the technology and gaming industries.

“We’re calling on our industry to again make the seemingly impossible possible by making a commitment to real change and clarity in our goals,” said Krzanich. “Without a workforce that more closely mirrors the population, we are missing opportunities, including not understanding and designing for our own customers.

Intel plans to engage with several partners in the industry to support, enhance or create new programs for this initiative, including the International Game Developers Association, the E-Sports League, the National Center for Women in Technology, the CyberSmile Foundation, the Feminist Frequency, and Rainbow PUSH. The company also plans to deepen its engagement with primary education programs focused on underserved areas and expanding its collaborations with computer science and engineering programs at higher education institutions, including minority-serving institutions. Intel Curie module – button-sized prototype

Computing Unleashed

Until now, computing has largely been defined by human interaction with a screen, keyboard and mouse. Krzanich highlighted several new technologies and real-world applications that, he said, will usher computing into a 3-D world and also free the experience from wires and passwords.

Krzanich demonstrated a range of capabilities that will be introduced in products by the end of the year, including True Key, a newly announced cross-platform application by Intel Security to address the hassle of passwords. The True Key application uses personal factors like the face, device or fingerprint to make logging in easier and safer.

True Key is supported on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and across all browsers. It will also be preinstalled on devices from HP and Lenovo and a part of McAfee LiveSafe in the coming months. (Visit http://www.truekey.com for access to the limited release of True Key).

Krzanich also highlighted new wireless charging collaborations including Hilton, Jaguar Land Rover, San Francisco International Airport and Marriott. These collaborators are planning wireless charging pilots, development and deployments including Marriott, which plans to pilot wireless charging capabilities across the Marriott portfolio of brands

Intel’s CEO said Intel RealSense cameras and new immersive applications can be found in a growing number of 2 in 1s, tablets, notebooks and all-in-one PCs, including many powered by the new 5th generation Intel Core processors available this quarter. Additional commentary on new innovations enabled by Intel RealSense technology and cameras is available here.

Intelligence Everywhere

Krzanich highlighted a number of areas where the rise of connected computing intelligence is helping to reshape many facets of people’s daily lives. He showcased practical, real-world examples for robots and multi-copter drones and said that Intel RealSense cameras can provide intuitive, sight-based collision avoidance capabilities for solving complex problems. For example, Ascending Technologies is targeting to use Intel RealSense cameras to develop intelligent and safer multi-copter drones, and iRobot is collaborating with Intel to explore this technology for its intelligent robotic platforms.

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