Intel recently bolstered its Compute Stick models by showcasing a dongle equipped with a Skylake processor and the company keeps raising the stakes.
The OEM developed a prototype of a PC Stick that packs a Core M CPU and an embedded Intel RealSense camera with depth-sensing capabilities.
It makes sense that the new dongle is bulkier than the standard Intel Compute Stick because the camera and sensor components require a tad more space. The company managed to maintain the form-to-aspect ratio similar to its predecessor, and managed to cram an Intel Realsense F200 camera in the device.
A report from Notebook Italia says that Intel has presented the gadget at the 2016 Intel Developer Forum in Shenzen, China.
How and why a camera could be useful in a PC stick, you ask?
You can plug the stick into the HDMI port at the side of a TV monitor. Alternatively, you could use the mount and extension cable so that it sits neatly near the screen.
Once the camera points in your direction, you may use the Windows Hello feature to login to third-party apps, websites or Windows itself.
Via the depth-sensing camera, you will be able to use 3D gestures as computer commands. For example, you may flip your arms, which will tell your computer to open up a flight simulator game. The camera comes in handy for filming birthday parties, taking family photos or for voice calls by means of Skype-like software.
The top resolution of the color video files is 1080p, and standard recording speed is 30 frames per second. It should be noted that the camera can also deliver 8-bit infrared video captures.
Additional features of the prototype include a Core M processor, and USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. To keep the gadget running smoothly, Intel equipped it with a fan for active cooling.
In the video of the prototype (that you can watch below), the company invites OEMs to adopt Intel's design and innovation in order to promote their own products.
Intel did not officially announce when (or if) it plans to release this Compute Stick that sports a RealSense camera. Until that happens, read all about the company's current Core M Compute Stick and its impressive specs.
