CEO Brian Krzanich showed off a tiny computer hidden in his jacket, and a wristband that could turn into a drone capable of snapping selfies.
Chief Executive Brian Krzanich demonstrated a tiny computer built into the button of his jacket and a wristband that was capable of transforming into a flying camera at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Intel, known more for its computer chips, is attempt to expand into the area of smart gadgets that you can wear. Krzanich said during his keynote that Intel was pushing to create computerized apparel and other gadgets equipped with sensors, an area that Intel hopes is rife with growth as the demand for smartphones and tablets begins to taper off, according to a Reuters report.
Dubbed Curie, the button-sized computer that can be worn is planned for release this year, and it will include a Bluetooth radio and a low-power chip from Intel’s Quark line. It’s a largely new area for Intel, which has not released much in the wearable gadgets market until now.
He said such technology could be worn on rings, bags, pendants, bracelets, and other types of clothing in addition to a jacket button. The company is also working with apparel firm Oakley to create a gadget for athletes.
The drone on his wrist is called Nixie, and it can be launched into the air equipped with a camera and is capable of navigating around obstacles.
Krzanich said he had learned from Intel’s past mistake of not moving quickly enough to create chips for smartphones and tablets, causing the company to miss out on that market. Krzanich has been the company’s CEO since 2013.
Krzanich also pledge to help women and minorities find jobs in the field of technology, announcing a five-year, $300 million investment in math-related education and relevant programs to boost hiring of women and minorities in the industry. Intel has been criticized for its hiring practices, as only a quarter of its workers in 2013 were women, and 12 percent were either Hispanic or African American.
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