At the 2016 Intel Developer Forum, Intel announced the availability of the Joule Module, a Linux "system on module (SoM) ... designed to help inventors and IoT developers create more, faster." The Joule offers high computational power, RAM, and storage. Devindra Hardawar reports that the high-end 570X edition:
packs in a 1.7GHz quad-core Atom T5700 CPU (with burst speeds up to 2.4GHz), 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Both models include "laptop-class" 802.11AC wireless, Intel graphics with 4K capture and display support, and a Linux-based OS.
Eric Zeman noted that:
Developers can use Joule to improve existing embedded systems or help bring a prototype to market faster without breaking the bank. It's a system-on-a-platform with a rapid computing engine, 4K video, and huge amounts of memory in a tiny, low-power package. Because it is based on an Intel Atom SoC, it can scale to high-volume production without much added expense.
The Joule is pre-installed with Ostro, an open source "reference Linux-based operating system ... tailored for IoT smart devices." The kernel is Linux 4.4, and the BIOS is open source and UEFI-compliant. Wireless capabilities include connectors for MHF4 antennas.
Unlike many IoT hardware platforms, the Joule features graphics and video capability. The board includes on-chip Intel graphics, at 450 MHz with burst up to 650 MHz, and a 4K video display. It also includes multiple MIPI camera connectors.
Intel is promoting the Joule in the IoT Hardware section of its Software Developer Zone. The site is comprehensive, enabling developers to quickly get started with developing new Joule applications.
Intel's Joule Module User Guide provides instruction on how to start programming on the Joule, reference information about the expansion board, troubleshooting tips, and more.
The Joule Documentation page includes articles about the Joule (including comparisons with Intel's earlier Edison Module). Code samples in JavaScript and C++ are also available.
