Like many other tech companies, Intel too wants to ride the smart wearables wave. During this year’s CES, the company’s chief executive Brian Krzanich demonstrated Intel-developed designs for wearable devices including smart earbuds with biometric and fitness capabilities, an always-on smart headset that integrates with existing personal assistant technologies, and a smart wireless charging bowl. The mentioned headset is rather cool as it can tune to any number of existing apps to provide you with useful information like driving/walking directions, nearby restaurants and/or notify colleagues when you’re late for a meeting.
Krzanich also announced strategic collaborations with a number of companies that could propel Intel’s entry into this segment, including luxury retailer Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and international design house and curator Opening Ceremony.
Intel Edison was also unveiled, featuring new Intel Quark technology-based computer housed in an SD card form factor with built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems.
Finally, Krzanich disclosed a global “call to innovation” campaign with the Intel “Make it Wearable” challenge to spice-up creation of new products… as long as they rely on Intel’s chip solutions.
It remains to be seen how long will it take for Intel to get a decent share of this market. Meanwhile, most vendors rely on chips made by other companies…