News & Reviews:   Intel Curie

Intel was recently reported as cancelling their SoFIA and Broxton lines of processors for both smartphones and tablets. While we expect to still see Intel processors for 2-in-1 devices and larger enterprise tablets, smartphones like the upcoming ASUS ZenFone 3 may well have non-Intel processors. While this spells an end to Intel-powered smartphones and smaller tablets, we expect Intel Curie, Edison, Galileo and other maker-related products to remain as Intel are focusing on 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) for the future.

Intel recently held their Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2015 where Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel revealed more upcoming Intel technologies that will impact the world. Of note was the new Intel Opane technology based on the 3D XPoint memory media for Intel SSDs that will offer better performance, endurance and space when or if it does come out. The Fossil Group also revealed an Intel-based wearables coming in September 2015 including an Android Wear smartwatch. Continuing Intel's focus on the Internet of Things, a platform for the Intel Curie module, the button sized computer system in a chip will enable even more devices. Check out all the highlights in this article.

What would you do if you had an idea for a device but couldn't find it being sold anywhere? While you could try and prototype it or make it, previously it wasn't easy to put together a working computer platform designed specifically for those who like to tinker and make things. However, in this day and age, those who make things or 'Makers' now have access to system-on-chip boards and platforms designed to be modular for easy attachment of sensors and servos. The maker movement in Malaysia is quickly picking up steam, with more makers of every age appearing with bright ideas about devices you cannot find on the shelf but are nonetheless useful. The Intel Galileo board is Intel's solution for Makers and we were privilaged enough to get our hands-on with an Intel Galileo set which you can see in the video in this article.

Intel Malaysia recently held a media briefing with Sumner Lemon, Country Manager for Intel Malaysia and Singapore where he outlined key Intel IT highlights from 2014 and IT predictions for 2015. During 2014 Intel made a big push for Intel powered mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones resulting in many affordable devices like the ASUS ZenFone smartphones and various other Intel-powered tablets. In doing so Intel revealed their new 14nm fabricated processors like the 5th generation Intel Core series and Intel Atom Z3000 series, many of which have already been released in 64-bit powered tablets like the ASUS Fonepad 8 and ASUS Fonepad 7. Last year also saw the introduction of Intel's foray in wearables with Galileo, Edison and Curie all of which are teeny tiny Systems-on-Chips (SoC) much like Raspberry Pi which will enable intelligent devices even on your shirt buttons. New technologies like the RealSense 3D cameras can enable gesture driven computers and notebooks while wireless charging may soon be implemented in airports around the world.