Intel released its Compute Card, a 95 x 55 x 5mm computer in a credit card-sized package, at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show. It is designed for digital signage, All-in-Ones, smart TVs, and appliances, offering full x86 modular computing capability to previously limited devices.
The single card can contain Intel’s 7th generation vPro CPU, memory, storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, I/O USB, and HDMI, all in a low energy package that fits into a computer card slot.
Initial partners are Dell, HP, Lenovo and Sharp. Dozens of companies have signed up to make their devices — fridges, signage, displays, security cameras, robotics, and others — compatible. It is expected to increase the life-cycle of many items that would have needed replacements to gain such computing power.
But more importantly, it is from the company responsible for Moore’s Law and has the major market share of central processing units in Windows and macOS devices.
{loadposition ray}There is immense potential for IoT where computing needs to move to the “edge”. A card can be added to the IoT/sensor network and things can be processed locally instead of relying on the cloud.
The Compute Card can also be used in the home and office. It can be added to a fridge or router for a home hub, it can be slotted into a hot-desk at work, or a notebook based on a Compute Card could be bought with the card then being swapped out for more power when needed. Cars could also be a major beneficiary.
And what’s more, it fits in your wallet.
