Intel Debuts SD Card-Sized Computer

Intel has just unveiled Edison. A new computer which is housed inside an SD card, which has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and it can support multiple operating systems.
Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO, has said the goal of Edison is to give wearable tech manufacturers a go-to option when they need a computer to power their devices.  “Wearables are not everywhere today because they aren’t yet solving real problems and they aren’t yet integrated with our lifestyles,” Krzanich explained. “We’re focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge. Our goal is, if something computes and connects, it does it best with Intel inside.”



Below is an excerpt from the Intel Press release at CES:
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich demonstrated Intel-developed designs for wearable devices including smart ear buds with biometric and fitness capabilities, an always-on smart headset that integrates with existing personal assistant technologies, and a smart wireless charging bowl.
Krzanich announced strategic collaborations with luxury retailer Barneys New York*, the Council of Fashion Designers of America* and international design house and curator Opening Ceremony* to explore and bring to market smart wearable technology.
He debuted Intel® Edison, a new Intel® Quark technology-based computer housed in an SD card form factor with built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems.
Krzanich disclosed a global “call to innovation” campaign with the Intel ‘Make it Wearable’ challenge.
CEO said Intel plans to offer elements of McAfee mobile security products for free to help guard today’s most popular mobile devices and will introduce Intel Device Protection technology this year to improve enterprise security of all Intel-based Android* mobile devices.
He unveiled the Intel Security brand, which will be used to identify all Intel security products and services, and said that McAfee products will transition to the Intel Security brand over time.
Krzanich stated that Intel is the first microprocessor company to support devices that combine the best of Windows* and Android* operating systems in a single device.

Intel Inside Wearable Devices
Krzanich announced Intel® Edison, a new Intel® Quark technology-based computer housed in an SD card form factor with built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems. From prototype to production, Intel Edison will enable rapid innovation and product development by a range of inventors, entrepreneurs and consumer product designers when available this summer.
“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.”

Increased Data and Device Security
Krzanich also unveiled the Intel Security brand, which will identify Intel products and services in the security segment, and disclosed plans to transition McAfee* products to the Intel Security brand while retaining 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 Apple* iPhone, Apple* iPad and Android* devices. More details will be announced in the coming months.
As corporate “bring-your-own-device” programs have grown in popularity, many firms have prohibited Android*-based devices that weren’t compatible with their companies’ security requirements. Intel Security this year will offer Intel Device Protection technology, which will help Intel-based Android* mobile devices meet most security standards for use at home and work.
With Raspberry Pi and others on the market already, all we can do is wait and see if Intel can pull it off with this one.  One thing is for sure.  I will be trying to get my hands on one!