There's been a lot of talk about wearable gadgets, watches and bracelets at CES 2014. But are we ready for a wearable computer, when we're just fumbling our way through numerous OS-based smartphones?
Here's what Intel CEO Brian Krzanich had to say about this.
"Wearables are not everywhere today because they aren't yet solving real problems and they aren't yet integrated with our lifestyles," Krzanich said. "We're focused on addressing this engineering innovation challenge. Our goal is, if something computes and connects, it does it best with Intel inside."
He described the Edison microcomputer as a 'go-to' option in case wearable device manufacturers need to resort to using a computer. Since wearable accessories will need a small computer, the Edison fits in a SD-card and connects to Wifi and has all the other stuff you need for full connectivity.
"Two years ago, I told several colleagues that we needed a hard goal, a commitment to reasonably conclude that the metals used in our microprocessors are conflict-free," Krzanich added. "We felt an obligation to implement changes in our supply chain to ensure that our business and our products were not inadvertently funding human atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even though we have reached this milestone, it is just a start. We will continue our audits and resolve issues that are found."
The Edison is really a marvel and appropriately named after a brilliant scientist because it hosts Quark-based technology with a computer that has wireless and ease of use with multiple operating systems.
Krzanich said that he will be pursuing several products and designs to sport wearable technology and tap into its innovative applications as soon as possible. Experts in wearable design and technology will be looking at esthetics, design, usage, security and privacy in collaborating with ubiquitous computing in wearable reference devices.