Intel throws weight behind wearbles, unveils button-sized Curie module

CES 2015 - Intel has publicly unveiled its Curie module, a button-sized hardware product that utilizes Quark SE to help power wearable products. It is so small that it can actually be used in a coat button, as demonstrated during the keynote.

The Quark SE system-on-chip (SOC) module uses a low-power, 32-bit microcontroller with 384 kb of flash, Bluetooth Low Energy support, and an accelerometer and gyroscope combination sensor. The chip will publicly launch during Q3 or Q4 this year, with partners including Fossil Group, MICA and Opening Ceremony, SMS Audio, and Basis Peak.

"The rise of new personal computing experiences, intelligent and connected devices, and the wearable revolution are redefining the relationship between consumers and technology," said Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO. "Our goal with Intel technology is to help solve real problems and enable experiences that are truly desired by people and businesses."

Throughout 2014, Intel made strides in ensuring it would be able to help lead the wearables market, and used CES 2015 as a launch pad for potential future announcements.