In a second Intel related news story, they have announced their new Compute Card platform, which develops on the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) concept and delivers powerful computing in a scalable portable factor. The new card format is dockable, so can be plugged into a static or mobile host.

Key Features

• Range of processors, up to 7th Gen Intel Core processors 
• Compact dimensions - 94.5 mm x 55 mm x 5 mm 
• Processor, memory, storage and wireless connectivity are all included in the card 
• Intel Compute Card-based host device provides power, cooling and I/O
• Connection to devices will be done via an Intel Compute Card slot with a new standard connector (USB-C plus extension) 
• USB-C plus extension connector provides USB, PCIe, HDMI, DP and additional signals between the card and the device

Intel say... 

The Intel Compute Card has all the elements of a full computer, including Intel SoC, memory, storage and wireless connectivity with flexible I/O options so hardware manufacturers can optimize for their particular solutions – from interactive refrigerators and smart kiosks to security cameras and IoT gateways. Device makers simply design a standard Intel Compute Card slot into their device and then utilize the best Intel Compute Card for their performance and price needs. This reduces the time and resources needed to design and validate the compute block and helps speed up innovation to bring the power of intelligence into an ever wider range of devices.

What Could This Mean For Pro Tools Users?

With i7 processors and SSDs available, these cards could make the ideal basis for a mobile Pro Tools system, in much the same way as the NUC system that James reviewed earlier this year. Manufacturers could even design rack mounted or laptop style hosts with an integrated screen and keyboard. These Compute Cards could even possibly replace the SHARC based processing used by external DSP manufacturers.

Intel has already signed up Dell, HP, Lenovo and Sharp as development partners for this platform, so we might well see some Avid qualified platforms coming on to the market. As Lenovo have a reputation for mobile devices, we could even see this platform threaten the traditional laptop format.

As with the Intel X Series, we'll be keeping a very close eye on developments and will keep you up to date with all the latest developments.