Intel presented its concepts of “modular computing” products at CES 2025, featuring next-gen laptops and a unique handheld design.

Intel Starts Exploring Modular Devices To Integrate With Its Next-Gen Hardware, Unveils Concepts Built With Quanta

While modular devices haven’t gained traction in the tech industry in terms of development by companies, it is undoubtedly an interesting concept to look towards, mainly due to how easy it is for an average consumer to hot-swap components and integrate upgraded ones. However, modular products haven’t seen the market spotlight for a few years, until now, as according to The Verge, Intel is apparently tapping into this particular segment, and they already have display concept products at the “Innovation Showcase,” which is said to be a private event.

While The Verge didn’t manage to get their hands on specific details, they did provide images of what appears to be a handheld, boasting a futuristic metallic design. The device “literally” has swappable screens and is connected to the main handheld through three independent connectors. The handheld apparently has a 7-inch FHD screen, and the modular concept might bring the option of having screens with different specifications, although this is just a weird assumption for now.

We have already seen modular handhelds in the markets, such as the AYANEO 3, where the distinguishable feature lies in swapping out controller designs, but as far as changing up the whole configuration is concerned, we haven’t seen such an implementation. Interestingly, Intel also had a “Lunar Lake” modular laptop on display, which relates to Team Blue’s “Compute Card” idea, which was a card-size computing module that had core components of a PC inside it.

The laptop had a motorized hinge, which means that the opening/closing of the device’s lid is automated. It also offered perks such as eye-tracking, a weird “ring-based” mouse system, and a dedicated Qi wireless charging pad mounted on the palm rest, which is indeed interesting. Surprisingly, these modular products were developed by Quanta, the renowned Taiwanese hardware manufacturer known for its presence in the AI segment.

While the modular products had no particular naming scheme, they did come under the “AI8A” branding, which has no meaning based on what we know. Sadly, Intel hasn’t revealed whether these concept devices would see the market spotlight, but the idea behind them surely looks compelling, given that innovation is always welcomed warmly.