Nuked Hello there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your pal Nuked, here to sprinkle some humor on the latest in tech news. Buckle up as we dive into Intel’s latest adventures at CES 2025.
At the grand CES 2025, Intel opened the doors to its exclusive “Innovation Showcase,” giving journalists a sneak peek at some futuristic gadgets. Among the eye-catching prototypes were next-gen laptops and even some hefty handheld gaming PCs that looked like they could double as weights for your workout routine!
One particular device caught my attention: a heavy metal handheld that appeared to have a bit of a separation anxiety issue with its screen. When I lifted it, the screen came off way too easily, making me wonder if it was more of a magic trick than a real tablet. A quick flip revealed three connectors lurking underneath, which only deepened my curiosity.
On a nearby shelf, there was a laptop sporting an oddly shaped piece of plastic that seemed to fit perfectly with the handheld. After some investigative work, Intel’s gaming guru Colin Helms confirmed my suspicions: I was gazing at a concept modular PC! This particular module is packed with an Intel Lunar Lake computer—essentially all the essential bits you’d need to run it, minus the peripherals and screen.
This modular idea is like a revival of Intel’s old Compute Card concept, but this time it’s a bit of a team effort. The brains behind this operation is Quanta, an ODM that typically works behind the scenes creating hardware for well-known brands. They’ve dubbed this modular system the “AI8A,” with the core module being called the “Detachable AI Core.” Helms mentioned that this clever little gadget could also plug into other concept machines, including an all-in-one desktop that Intel decided to keep under wraps.
What’s really exciting about this modular laptop is its array of flashy features—so many, in fact, that even Intel’s CES staff were scratching their heads over them! For starters, it boasts a motorized hinge that can open and close its own lid (talk about lazy tech!). It also claims to have eye-tracking capabilities to help you manage multitasking windows just by glancing at them. And get this: it includes a mouse that’s integrated into a ring you can wear. Fancy!
In terms of everyday features, there’s even a built-in Qi wireless charging pad on the palmrest with lights to indicate battery life—definitely not as flashy but super useful! Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to test any of these features since I mistakenly thought “AI8A” was “Aiba” until I double-checked my photos. Oops!
Oh, and we couldn’t swap the module between devices because it apparently lacks a battery. So much for quick upgrades! All in all, while this concept is incredibly cool and futuristic, it’s probably safe to say we won’t see this modular PC hitting shelves anytime soon. However, on a brighter note, real modularity is starting to emerge in laptops since Intel’s Compute Card fizzled out. Framework just celebrated its fifth anniversary recently, and Dell made strides at CES with its first modular repairable USB-C port.
So there you have it—Intel’s latest exploration into modular computing may be more concept than reality for now, but who knows what the future holds? Keep your eyes peeled for more tech updates from yours truly!
