With a vision to create a better world, Intel unveiled its latest gadget at the CES 2017. What the technology company is calling as Compute Card, is a device that seemingly resembles a smaller version of Intel series previous device, the Compute Stick. However, with more functionality at hand, Intel claims that the device is what will help connect appliances better in the future.

"I've only owned two fridges in my life, and when I buy my next one, I expect to own it for the rest of my life," Compute Stick's marketing manager Bruce Patterson said.

He further noted that upgrading the smart operability of the fridge without replacing it with a new one is what he desires. And, that is where the Compute Card comes into play.

Intel Compute Card: The device is nothing short of a PC, but without a screen

As Patterson revealed the object from his pocket, we could see it be not more than the size of a credit card. But, the device was fully equipped with RAM, SSD, CPU, Wi-Fi, and a few connecting ports here and there. Intel noted us that these ports were all USB Type-C extensions that will keep it suitable for advanced connections like that in PC express slots. What is good to hear about the device is that there is space in it for future upgrades as well.

It seems like the Intel Compute Card is a smaller version of the Compute Stick, but its functionality is not limited as that of the latter version. The product is going to be a major role player for the production of new products with Intel specifications and many prominent hardware manufacturers are going to go for them. This will also provide a big helping hand for companies that usually relied on technology produced by other companies to fit in their appliances.

Being a modular device, users will not need to replace a new appliance just to improve its technology. The Intel Compute Card is easily upgradable which will make sure that the old fridge is up to date with the technology of the world. Security measures on the device are taken care of as well. Once attached to an appliance, it can only be released using software control so that all unwanted access is denied to it.

Patterson has not confirmed a price for the Intel Compute Card for now. For now, the system uses an Atom-based processor which is soon to be upgraded to Intel Core processors. It seems that users will prefer the device as a part of an appliance and not as a single unit, but there is an idea on the way which will feature an NUC-sized dock for using it solely.