CES 2014: Intel CEO unveils big wearable technology push

• Intel makes McAfee security software free on all mobile devices
• Company launches new Edison system-on-a-chip aimed at wearables
• Intel backs new wearable design competition with %241.3 million

LAS VEGAS - Intel CEO Brian Krzanich unveiled a major push into wearable technology by the world's largest semiconductor company late Monday.

The new CEO showed off several new wearable devices developed by the company, including a smart watch, smart earbuds, a smart earphone headset called Jarvis and a charging "bowl" to put all the gadgets in when they need powering back up.

He also announced a new system-on-a-chip called Edison aimed at wearable gadgets and a competition to create the best wearable devices with $1.3 million in prize money.

"We're looking at a broad ecosystem of wearables," Krzanich said during a speech at the CES technology conference in Las Vegas. "This is an amazing opportunity for partnerships across this ecosystem. Together we will create a whole new series of products."

Wearable products like these will be available later in 2014, Krzanich added.

Intel dominated the PC industry for decades, but the company missed much of the early mobile boom and it is now playing catch-up to try to get its chips into more of these popular devices.

Wearables, a new wave of connected devices such as Google Glass, present a new opportunity that Intel does not want to miss out on. Research firm Berg Insight estimated earlier this year that wearable computer shipments will reach 64 million in 2017, almost eight times the number that shipped in 2012.

If this explosion in smart, connected devices happens, it will create more security issues, so Krzanich said Intel is making its McAfee security software free for all mobile devices.

"We believe this will allow this ecosystem to flourish," the CEO added.

Intel's new smart watch does not need to be tethered to a smartphone or other mobile connected device to work. It also comes with "smart geo-fencing" which allows the wearer's location to be monitored - something that may be useful for people with kids or elderly parents, Krzanich said.

The smart earbuds connect to an app on a smart phone and contain sensors that monitor heart rate. The buds do not need to be separately charged because they get their power from the microphone jack in the phone, the CEO explained.

The earphone headset system, called Jarvis, responds to voice commands and questions. An on-stage demonstration showed an Intel employee booking a restaurant for dinner and re-arranging a scheduled appointment around the new event. Krzanich said the device will work with other personal assistant services, not just the one developed by Intel.