Intel Develops Hardware and Software for Healthcare

For the most part, Intel is known as a semi-conductor company, one that’s known for producing some of the best processors on the planet, and also chipsets, SSDs and so forth. They’re not entirely known for software, though, except for their developer tools, and those of course are designed for a select audience. As Bright Side of News* discovered at the company’s Technology Summit, Intel is actively looking to branch out into other markets as well, producing both the hardware and software for the products.

The product being demonstrated is an important one, as it focuses on the healthcare for the elderly, or anyone else with severe enough health problems that makes it a non-option to leave the house on occasion. The secondary goal is to allow doctors an easier time to deal with more patients, which is also undeniably important. The device that they’ve developed is an all-in-one computer, with specialized software and also a touch-screen display. It comes equipped with various security measures to make sure data does get intercepted, and also that it remains safe.

This FDA approved device is a lot more than a simple computer, though, as the software is designed to be easy to use on both ends. Essentially, the patient in their house would have one of these, and doctors at their clinic would also. So, doctors at the office can keep up-to-date on the client’s progress, and they can adjust their activities accordingly, which the patient would then see on their screen.

It goes a bit further, because thanks to the fact that it includes a web cam, the patient and doctor can talk to each other via video, which is important since the doctor would then be able to visually see how the patient is doing. There’s a lot more than discussed here, but progresses like this are important, and I can’t wait to see something like this become mainstream. If all the elderly had access to this kind of technology in their home, it’d no doubt make their lives a lot easier (well, unless they hate technology, of course).

With their FDA approved Health Guide, Intel is branching out into the medical arena. Why? The baby boomers are rapidly reaching the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) stage of life. As they age, their chronic illnesses will need to be addressed. And statistics show that there just won’t be enough youngsters in the care giving profession to give them the attention they need. Louis Burns, VP and GM, Intel Digital Health Group presented slides, video, and commentary illustrating those concerns.