Intel looks beyond PCs; bets on wearable technology products

Chipmaker Intel is now betting big on wearable technology such as earphones which monitor heart rate and connected devices like a bowl to charge electronic devices, in its efforts to get back into the mobility race after missing out on the 'smartphone bus'.

Demonstrating wearable computing devices like a smartwatch, smart earphones and smart headsets here at CES 2014, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said the company is looking at a broad ecosystem of wearables.

The company has partnered with Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Opening Ceremony to explore and bring to market smart wearable technology.

"The collaborations are indicative of Intel's collective and conscious approach to the wearable market. Our shared vision is to accelerate wearable technology innovation and create products that both enhance peoples' lives and are desirable to wear," Intel New Devices Group Vice President (Business Development and Strategy) Ayse Ildeniz said.

While Intel dominates the PC industry, but it has lost market to players like Qualcomm as far as processors for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are concerned.

After replacing former CEO Paul Otellini in May, Krzanich set up a new division focussed on identifying future technology trends to ensure that Intel stays in the race.

The company also announced a slew of other innovations at the event.

It unveiled a tiny computer Edison built with Intel's low-power Quark technology and packaged in an SD-card form factor, making it easy for clothing and gadget makers to integrate the platform into wearable products.

Besides, it is also betting on collaborating with other companies to bring human-like senses to Intel-based 2 in 1, tablet, Ultrabook, notebook, all-in-one and other mobile devices in the future.