Microsoft has revealed two new tiny computers coming from Taiwanese manufacturers Foxconn and Quanta. The Quanta Compute Plug is a PC built into a device the size of a power adapter (and which you can actually use as a USB power adapter), while the Foxconn Kangaroo is a pocket-sized desktop computer that you can carry with you and the plug into any screen for a full-fledged Windows computer experience.
The Foxconn Kangaroo features an Intel Cherry Trail processor, a battery for up to 6 hours of run time while unplugged, and a fingerprint reader that should let you log into Windows 10 quickly while keeping unauthorized users out.
Microsoft says the Kangaroo can turn any TV into a full-fledged Windows 10 computer or it can be used as a set-top-box to bring media streaming to your TV. Too bad Windows 10 doesn’t include Windows Media Center functionality… but at least there are some good third-party alternatives.
Quanta’s Compute Plug looks like a USB power adapter with two USB ports. But look closely and you’ll also spot an HDMI port. Take it apart and you’ll probably also find a low-power processor, memory, storage, and all the other components needed to make a tiny PC.
The Compute Plug features WiFi and Bluetooth. So you can plug the tiny computer into a power strip, connect a display via an HDMI cable, and then use Bluetooth or USB to connect a keyboard, mouse, headset, remote control, or other peripherals.
If you use a remote control or headset with a microphone you can even use Cortana to control the system using only your voice.
These devices join the recent parade of mini PC products, including Intel’s Compute Stick and NUC systems, the ECS Liva family, the Zotac ZBOX and Gigabyte BRIX, and many more, not to mention the Raspberry Pi and other ARM-based single-board computers.
via Blogging Windows
How much?
Hope these come out in the UK, people often say / worry some of these fall out of wall sockets. However the mighty BS 3 pin plug will provide more than enough grip if removing iphone power adapters is anything to go by.
Where is the WiGig low cost doc? What a dumb thing to do have all these cables everyplace when WiGig could be used to transmit everything you need and would be perfect for the miniaturization of such devices.
Plug this into a wall have your doc someplace convenient and like magic you have disk drives etc without cords.
I have touch screen monitor so I need a spare port for usb, for touch screen to work.
That Compute Plug looks interesting though the implementation leaves a bit to be desired. The prongs are on a wide flat surface and so shallow it reminds me of charging plugs that end up falling out of wall sockets repeatedly (wall plates are not all completely flat-faced). Add 3 cords dangling off it and falling out of the socket seems inevitable. Close but no cigar, maybe a simple case redesign could work wonders?
or plug it into a short extension cord or a surge protector on the floor.
I agree with you but at least it is powered unlike the HDMI Sticks where you have to have a USB port available on the back of your TV.