Intel introduced the NUC line of mini computers a few years ago, with systems measuring around 4.5″ x 4.4″. Then the company went smaller, with the Intel Compute Stick, with models measuring about 4″ x 1.5″.

Now the company is going even smaller, with the introduction of the Intel Compute Card. It’s a PC that’s just a bit larger than a credit card, measuring about about 3.7″ x 2.2″. It’s also Intel’s thinnest PC to date, at just 5mm (0.2 inches) thick.

But Intel isn’t really positioning the Compute Card as a consumer PC. Instead, it’s aimed at developers looking to integrate a computer with an Intel processor into smart home products, security systems, or other Internet of Things devices.

Update: For more details about the Compute Card and Intel’s vision for a modular world, check out our hands-on article.

One nifty thing about this approach is that it opens the door for upgradable gadgets. Buy a smart refrigerator with a Compute Card in it and you may be able to repair or replace the card with another model down the road.

If the idea sounds familiar, it’s because Intel isn’t the first to come up with it… but Intel probably has a better chance of bringing its modular PC card to market in a big way than other efforts in this space.

Intel says it’s working with partners including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Sharp.

The Intel Compute Card is expected to be available in mid-2017. For now, the company hasn’t revealed detailed specs yet, but it’s expected to feature low-power 7th-gen Intel Core “Kaby Lake” processor options, WiFi, Bluetooth, and “flexible I/O options.”

via FanlessTech

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,545 other subscribers