Intel announces Quark: a chip dedicated to the Internet of objects

This is the big surprise of the IDF in 2013. Intel launches a new generation of SOCs (System On a Chip) called Quark for the Internet of objects and embedded personal devices.

Intel has been caught speed in the ultra-mobility, neglecting the social impact that the smartphones and tablets on our daily lives. But the depth does not count reproduce this error for the Internet of objects. Its researchers are well aware of the impact that the objects connected to our daily life, our comfort and health. For them, the future is made of obviously connected but especially personal items, who know all about you and your habits and adapt their services accordingly. However, these smart objects will require specific IT technologies that push further records in saving energy.

Quark, Atom A fraction 

Intel wants to drive this new generation of objects and announces a new SOC even smaller than its Atom platform.
Quark measuring 1/5 the size of an atom and operates at 1/10 of the electric power only from a Atom. "It's the smallest thing we ever made​​," said Renee James, Intel, President at the opening of IDF 2013 keynote. 

Quark is a SOC (System-On-a-Chip) dedicated to being embedded in the new generation of "wearable devices" (physical devices) such as smart watches, sensors of physical activity, skin patches that diagnose your blood or your heart activity.

First name, the X1000 Quark is, a priori, based on a mono-heart processor 800 MHz Pentium-derived and engraved in 14 nanometers. But it is just that rumors, Intel refused for the moment any detailed comment.

One revolution hides another 

However the revolution Quark is not necessarily in the chip itself, but rather the Intel desire to make an open platform. Intel does not attempt to open the license of the heart itself (as can ARM) but to let everyone come grafted its own technologies (memory, sensors, coprocessors, etc..) In the chip through a system expansion interface. At first, these custom chips manufactured by Intel will remain, but the depth does not mean that they can be eventually produced in other plants than its own. 

Motherboards reference and development will be distributed before the end of this year. However, the availability of the first Quarks is not expected before the second half of 2014.