Intel recently updated its Compute Stick line of mini-computers with new models sporting Intel Core M Skylake processors. But the company isn’t stopping there.
Notebook Italia reports that Intel is showing off a new reference design for a PC Stick with a Core M chip and a built-in Intel RealSense, depth-sensing camera.
As you’d expect, this model is a it thicker than an average Intel Compute Stick. There has to be enough room for the camera lens and sensor components. The little computer houses an Intel Realsense F200 camera which sticks out from the side.
One key benefit to including this camera on a tiny PC Stick is that you could connect the stick to an HDMI port on the side of a monitor TV (or use an extension cable and mount so that it’s on the side of the display) and angle the camera so it points forward. Then you could use the camera to login to Windows or third-party applications or websites using the Windows Hello feature.
The depth-sensing features of the camera also enable you to interact with the computer using 3D gestures (by moving your head or hands through the air in front of the camera). And of course, you can also use the camera to snap photos or videos or make video calls over Skype or other VoIP apps.
The camera supports 8-bit infrared capture and 1080p color video recording at 30 frames per second.
It’s not clear if Intel will launch its own Compute Stick with a RealSense camera anytime soon. But Notebook Italia says the company is showing off a reference design at the Intel Developer Forum in Shenzhen, China this week and encouraging Chinese device makers to adopt the design for their own products.
The prototype features a Core M processor, full-sized USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports and a fan for active cooling.