New and smaller RealSense mobile camera coming

[MartyG]

Hi everyone,

Intel's CEO showed a new version of the mobile RealSense camera at the IDF conference yesterday that is smaller and fits into a smartphone.  No details on a release date yet.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/07/intel-realsense-smartphone/

[daflippers]

Hi Marty,

I saw that too.  Note that the camera is longer range so I believe this is targeted at front facing applications.

I presume this will be based on Atom X3 platform so the SDK will need to be more efficient, likely to be a subset of the current SDK with enhanced functions to support longer range, forward facing applications such as augmented reality etc..

What do you think?

David

[MartyG]

Yes, it's sure to be a variant of the current R200 mobile cam.  Compatibility with Atom processors is also extremely likely, given that Intel have already promoted it as a "coming soon" feature on their info page for the R200.

http://click.intel.com/intel-realsense-developer-kit-r200.html

That page lists the compatibility as being for the Atom Cherry Trail (which is the code name for the Atom X processor you mentioned).

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/03/intel-unveils-its-next-mobile-maneuver-atom-x3-x5-and-x7/

Edit: how I read the above article is that the X3 is a cheapie budget processor that is not a Cherry Trail architecture, and that it is the more powerful X5 and X7 chips that are Cherry Trails.

[Brennon_W_]

Nice. Certainly interested in this for our product integrations.

[daflippers]

More detail on X3 SoFIA http://www.pcworld.com/article/2889155/intel-announces-atom-x3-sofia-chip-new-cherry-trail-atoms-for-tablets.html.

David 

[MartyG]

Thanks David.  ^_^

It'l be interesting to see how these new developments affect the 2015 RealSense App Challenge (or whatever they call it this year).  I wonder if it will stick exclusively with the desktop cam or give people the option of proposing projects for the mobile cam too.  Maybe they could repeat the Round 1 Intel NUC mini-PC prize but also offer a RealSense-equipped tablet as an alternative for those who want to develop a mobile app.