It will be used in wearables and anything else part of the Internet of Things

Aug 28, 2014 06:38 GMT  ·  By

Broadband connectivity seems to be reaching every electronic device, but the modems, chips really, that enable this functionality aren't exactly small enough that they don't need space concessions. In fact, they're part of the reason why smartwatches aren't smaller than they are, something Intel wants to fix.

And by fix, Intel means to say that it has created a very small 3G modem that doesn't take up more space than a penny, of 0.47 square inches / 303 square millimeters.

Because of that, it will not only allow watches to become thinner and sleeker, but also permit the creation of smarter wrist bands, and a host of other wearable electronics.

The 3G modem bears the name of Intel XMM 6255 and should weather power spikes just fine, all the while not needing even the smallest antenna to pick up signal. That goes even for low-coverage areas, as well as nooks and crannies where radio waves have a hard time reaching in general, basements included.

That said, wearable electronics aren't the only things that will benefit from the creation of this chip. Everything that falls under the Internet of Things initiative will.

For those in need of a basic rundown, the Internet of Things is a vision where every device with even the slightest form of automation will be connected to others.

For example, in a household all appliances, computers and consumer electronics would be interlinked through a cloud server.

It would allow owners to check the progress of a roast from a small pop-up menu on their TV. On that note, controlling the washing machine or checking the contents and temperature in the refrigerator will be doable as well.

Intel and its collaborators (many, since pretty much everyone wants in on IoT) also see some form of remote access for simpler things, like coffee makers.

A house's lighting system should also be controllable from anywhere, though this might be easier to achieve by installing a voice recognition system. Still, the option to adjust light strength and such will probably be included in the cloud just for the sake of thoroughness.

3G won't be needed by all electronics in a home, especially if you link it to the cloud through a gateway or server. Still, portable gadgets and PCs, at the very least, will benefit from better and smaller 3G modems like this one that Intel just unveiled. We expect to see it in at least some devices at IFA 2014, next week. If not, there's time enough before the end of the year for OEMs to launch new smartwatches.

Intel XMM 6255 3G modem
Intel XMM 6255 3G modem

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

Intel XMM 6255 3G modem
Intel XMM 6255 3G modem
Open gallery