Windows 10-based mains plug works as mini computer

Quanta has revealed a plug computer that operates on Windows 10 and can connect to a TV, keyboard and other peripheries to operate as a full system.

The device is just one of two 'PC on a stick' devices showcased at Computex in Taiwan - a show well-known for revealing some of the most innovative (and sometimes, pretty crazy) technologies from Asia.

Microsoft explained: "PC on a stick is a relatively new category in which our partners are delivering some really innovative devices. The new Compute plug from Quanta is a mini PC and power adapter in one that can be plugged into any outlet and connected to a TV to turn it into a smart computer that can be controlled using Cortana via a Bluetooth remote or headset."

Although few other details about the computer were revealed, we can assume that it runs on the same hardware as Quanta's other plug computers running on Windows 8.1, which includes an Intel Bay Trail T-CR SoC(Z3735F)7 chip, 2GB of RAM, and up to 64GB of MMC flash storage.

Also on show at Computex was the Foxconn Kangaroo, another tiny device that transforms a TV into a fully-functioning Windows 10 computer, set top box or streaming device.

Microsoft explained: "The Foxconn Kangaroo is an ultra-portable desktop PC powered by the latest Intel Cherry Trail processor, featuring a six-hour battery and a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello."

Neither Microsoft, nor the manufacturers of the devices revealed how much the tiny computers would cost, nor when or indeed, whether they will be released in Europe.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.