Computers are getting smaller, and our smartphones are a testament to that, but Intel has done something remarkable by making a computer fit inside the size of an SD card.
Unveiled this week at CES in Vegas, “Edison” is a new project whereby Intel has found a way to developer a computer supporting wireless connectivity inside the chassis of an SD card.
Designed to be used by inventors, product designers, and entrepreneurs, Intel Edison effectively could make it possible to run a computer inside any device that sports an SD card slot, which includes a lot of different gadgets out there.
The Edison tiny computer supports an x86 compatible processor, and will connect with WiFi, Bluetooth, and a small amount of storage, while consuming a small amount of power in the process in the tiny and slim size.
In fact, since SD card slots are so flat, it’s possible we could see these tiny computers added to more things, such as wearable devices, like a computer that you can strap to your arm, or conversely, one stored in your belt that can communicate with your phone or watch.
For Intel, the Edison SD card computer is one of a few ways the company is trying to innovate in the smart wearables area, and includes a pair of earbuds (below) what not only provides audio to your ears, but also monitors your heart rate and pulse, sending this information to your smartphone as you exercise.
Intel is even planning on making the wearable smart device more interesting by announcing the “Make It Wearable” challenge, which will aim to encourage others to come up with ideas to make gadgets and devices more like something you’d want to wear, offering as much as $1.3 million USD in cash prizes to help the ideas come to life.
“Wearables are not everywhere today because they aren’t yet solving real problems and they aren’t yet integrated with our lifestyles,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel.
“We’re focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge. Our goal is, if something computes and connects, it does it best with Intel inside.”
