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Intel is ready to put a Windows 8.1 PC on your dumb TV with this tiny device

Published Jan 8th, 2015 3:35PM EST
Intel Compute Stick vs. Google Chromecast
Image: Intel

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The extremely small Curie processor for wearable devices isn’t the only interesting tech product Intel unveiled at CES 2015, as the company also announced a tiny device that’s powerful enough to bring PC powers to any TV, including dumber models, and even run Windows 8.1 apps. The Intel Compute Stick is in a way a Chromecast contender, only Intel’s device can do a lot more things than Google’s streaming solution.

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Priced at $149, significantly more expensive than the Chromecast, the Compute Stick packs a quad-core Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, microSD support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB connectivity, mini USB for power and Windows 8.1 under the hood.

If that sounds too pricey, users should know a version of the Compute Stick running Linux would only cost $89, but the model would also only pack 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage.

Even though the Compute Stick has been officially announced, Intel has yet to provide an actual launch date for the gadget. The company says the tiny TV-bound computer will be launched soon, although an actual release date hasn’t been offered yet.

Looking for more coverage from CES? Be sure to check out our CES 2015 hub!

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.