Intel’s $10 computer will go on sale this quarter

At the biggest tech event of the year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich unveiled the smaller, all new and improved version of Curie – its button-sized computer. First announced to the public at CES 2015, this year’s keynote speech revealed that the hardware, which is aimed at wearable devices, will go on sale for as little as $10 this quarter.

Given the technology combines Bluetooth radio and an ability to operate for extended periods on a low-energy miniscule-sized battery, the possibilities for Curie on the expanding wearables market are endless. Suggestions for the device’s use include jewellery, clothing and accessories, while its embedded gyroscopes and accelerometers (which can accurately measure activity) hold great promise for sports and fitness tracking.

The possibilities for Curie on the expanding wearables market are endless

To illustrate this point, Krzanich was joined on stage by BMX riders, whose jumps and spins were analysed and displayed on screen in real-time using the technology. Also presented was a pair of Oakley sunglasses that can update wearers on their workout progress and make continual modifications as they exercise – they will be available to the public sometime this year.

A list of Intel’s high profile collaborations with the likes of ESPN, Red Bull and others was also revealed at CES 2016. Its partnership with ESPN will commence at this year’s X Games in Aspen, when Curie will enable real-time data on athletic performance (including speed, jump height, jump distance and landing force) for the Snowboard Slopestyle and Snowboard Big Air competitions.

With the might of the world’s biggest chipmaker, together with backing from giants in the sports and consumer industries, Curie marks a new era in wearable technology.