Single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi may seem small… but chip maker Freescale figures it can go smaller. The company has unveiled a new product category it calls a Single Chip Module (SCM), which measures just 17mm x 14mm x 17mm (0.67″ x 0.55″ x 0.67″).
That makes the 3.4″ x 2.2″ x 0.8″ Raspberry Pi look huge.
To be fair, you can use a Raspberry Pi as a full-fledged (low-power computer) by plugging in a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other peripherals. A Freescale SCM computer-on-a-chip is designed to fit into tight spaces and add smart features to Internet of Things products such as 3D gaming goggles, drones, or smart home products.
The first product in the lineup is the i.MX 6Dual SCM which features a dual-core Freescale i.MX6 processor, an integrated power management circuit, flash memory, and embedded firmware as well as security tech for cryptography and tamper prevention.
Freescale says the i.MX 6Dual will be available in August with additional products to follow. The platform supports Android and Linux operating systems.
Intel gives the IOT client and server software away for free. With Freescale you might get a driver blob or two. The silicon itself is becoming less important (compared to the other costs for an end product).
Actually Freescale also has free IOT software, as well as software for a number of communications, automotive, industrial, point-of-sale software packages, among others.