Intel Joule SOM runs Ubuntu Core Linux and makes Raspberry Pi look like garbage
The original Raspberry Pi sparked the creativity of many developers and students, but it was woefully underpowered. Through several iterations, however, it slowly became more powerful. While the most recent version -- the Raspberry Pi 3 -- has a much more capable processor, some developers will still want even more horsepower.
Today, Intel announces a maker board that puts the Raspberry Pi 3 to shame. The Joule system-on-module mini-computer features RealSense camera support and runs Ubuntu Linux Core. Best of all, its specs are very impressive for what it is.
"We're happy to welcome a new development board in the Ubuntu family! The new Intel Joule is a powerful board targeted at IoT and robotics makers and runs Ubuntu for a smooth development experience. It's also affordable and compact enough to be used in deployment, therefore Ubuntu Core can be installed to make any device it’s included in secure and up to date … wherever it is", says Canonical.
ALSO READ: How to: Install Google Chrome web browser on Ubuntu Linux (and uninstall Firefox)
Intel explains, "Joule enables people to take a concept into a prototype and then into production at a fraction of the time and development cost. The Intel Joule platform is a high performance system-on-module (SOM) in a tiny, low-power package thus making it ideal for computer vision, robotics, drones, industrial IoT, VR, AR, micro-servers and other applications that require high-end edge computing".
You can see a robot powered by Intel Joule in the video below.
Intel shares the following specs.
The Intel Joule 570x
• High-performance, 64-bit, 1.7 GHz quad-core Intel Atom T5700 processor with burst up to
2.4 GHz
• 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 16GB eMMC memory
• Intel HD Graphics with 4K video capture and display
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.1
• USB 3.0, MPI CSI and DSI interfaces, and multiple GPIO, I2C, UART interfaces
• Linux-based OS tailored for IoT and smart devices
• Enhanced support for the Intel RealSense cameras and libraries
The Intel Joule 550x
• High-performance, 64-bit, 1.5 GHz quad-core Intel Atom T5500 processor
• 3GB LPDDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC memory
• Intel HD Graphics with 4K video capture and display
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.1
• USB 3.0, MPI CSI and DSI interfaces, and multiple GPIO, I2C, UART interfaces
• Linux-based OS tailored for IoT and smart devices
• Support for the Intel RealSense cameras and libraries
ALSO READ: [Giveaway] Win my Raspberry Pi 3 and Kodi Edition case!
While both versions of the Joule handily destroy the Raspberry Pi 3, it is important to note that Intel's board will not cost $35 like the Pi. Pricing is not official, but according to Engadget, the 570x will retail for $369. In other words, Intel's offering could be more than ten times the cost of the Pi!
What projects would you make with the Intel Joule? Tell me in the comments.