Intel builds 'world's smallest' 3G modem

[PillowSmoke]

 

Intel has unveiled a 3G modem not much bigger than a UK penny or US one-cent coin, with the aim of embedding it in connected devices around the home.

 

The company says the XMM 6255, with an area of about 300 sq mm, is the world's smallest modem.

 

The standalone chip could be used in wearable tech, as well as security devices such as "smart" smoke alarms.

 

It is built to protect against overheating, and withstand tough conditions.

 

The modem also features an embedded power supply.

 

More than size

 

Sergis Mushell, a research director at analytics company Gartner, said the product signalled Intel's intent to gain a foothold in the mobile connectivity market.

 

"It's not just about the size of it," he told the BBC. "What Intel is really doing is going after a significant stake in the Internet of Things market, where connectivity is most important.

 

"Getting connectivity right is essential for their entire product portfolio," he added, referring to Intel's traditional business of making processors.

 

He added that "anything with a screen will need to have connectivity" and processors will have to be combined with secure, low-power, connectivity technologies.

 

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28939873

 

[Jerakl]

That is indeed fascinating. 

[Xorbot]

It's not the size that matters--it's how you use it.

[Askew]

It's not the size that matters--it's how you use it.

 

This isn't a penis.

 

I marvelled at how small the bluetooth dongles are, how small MicroSD is, and now this.

 

Technology is incredible.

[Deletive]

This should be interesting to play around with. 

[Linus_torvalds]

not impressed after this http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/6/5282472/intel-announces-edison-a-computer-the-size-of-an-sd-card

[mr moose]

It's not the size that matters--it's how you use it.

That's just an excuse used by people with small modems.

[LukaP]

this is indeed incredible. imagine all the stuff that this fits in man...

[LAwLz]

I don't get it... They are going to use this for things inside homes?

I'd say WiFi is a far better solution for that. That way you can centralize everything. Having one Internet connection for my massage chair and one Internet connection for my popcorn machine sounds unnecessarily complex. I think this would be far more suitable in motorcycle helmets, smart watches, Point-and-shoot cameras (possibly even a Go Pro camera) and stuff like that.

 

It's really impressive that they have made it so small.

[mr moose]

I don't get it... They are going to use this for things inside homes?

I'd say WiFi is a far better solution for that. That way you can centralize everything. Having one Internet connection for my massage chair and one Internet connection for my popcorn machine sounds unnecessarily complex. I think this would be far more suitable in motorcycle helmets, smart watches, Point-and-shoot cameras (possibly even a Go Pro camera) and stuff like that.

 

It's really impressive that they have made it so small.

 

In a fire the internet could easily be lost (therefore no wifi) or the signal could be lost because the wifi router is where the fire is. The smoke detector can automatically use it's own wireless net to raise the alarm.

 

Same with alarm systems, imagine an alarm system that can operate without power (back up battery) or phone lines.  Just a little harder to bypass.