CES 2015: Intel unveils Curie, a tiny hardware module that let anyone create a smart wearable

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2015), Intel announced a tiny button-size product called ‘Curie’ which will basically allow anyone or any company to create a smart wearable product. The Intel Curie is a tiny hardware product based on the company’s first purpose-built system-on-chip (SoC) for wearable devices. The module includes the Intel Quark chip, Bluetooth low-energy radio, sensors and battery charging. The sensors included are a 6-axis combo sensor with accelerometer and gyroscope and an pattern-matching accelerator (which is useful for gesture recognition). As far as the Intel Quark SE is concerned, Intel claims it is the ideal chip for ‘always-on’ applications such as social notifications and sports activities and is extremely power efficient. According to Intel it can be used for a range of wearable devices like “rings, bags, bracelets, pendants, fitness trackers to even buttons.” In fact, as this piece in The Verge points out “Intel CEO Krzanich even showed it off in a coat button on stage.” The report also notes that “Curie runs Viper, an open-source software” which will access the data by the sensors and “use it for things like activity recognition or step tracking.” Mike Bell, VP and GM of Intel’s New Devices Group said in a press statement,  “With the Intel Curie module, Intel will continue to push the envelope of what’s possible and enable companies to quickly and effectively build low-power wearables in various form factors.” Intel is hoping that given the size and flexibility of the Curie, it will allow users or companies to create their own style of wearable devices. For now, the product is still awaiting authorisation from the US Federal Communications Commission and thus won’t be available for sale immediately. Intel also announced a partnership with Oakley to work on premium, luxury and sports eyewear which can be fused with smart technology. Oakley and Intel said they were working together on smart product which will be aimed at athletes and will launch it later this year. It also showed Nixie, which is the first wearable camera that can fly. According to the company’s statement, “Nixie rests on your wrist like a bracelet, then unfolds and takes flight on cue to take the perfect shot of you in the moment.” Nixie was created by Christoph Kohstall and Jelena Jovanovic as part of Intel’s “Make it Wearable” challenge.