Microsoft will add Intel Joule support in Windows 10 IoT Core preview this month

Microsoft today announced that the upcoming September release of the Windows 10 IoT Core preview build for Windows Insiders will include support for the Intel Joule chip module.

Intel introduced Joule last month. Based on Intel’s Atom system-on-chip (SoC), Joule is a system-on-module (SoM) that can support Intel’s RealSense depth-sensing camera technology. Each Joule unit includes an Atom SOC, RAM, eMMC memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB, among other components. They can be used for a wide variety of devices, including augmented-reality glasses, and even robots.

Support for Windows 10 IoT Core (as well as Linux) was announced for the units when Joule was unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum, but it was unclear when that would become available. Now Microsoft has clarified that timeline.

“Once you’ve installed the pre-release, we enable the OS to automatically upgrade so you’ll be able to try out the latest features in the next pre-release of Windows 10 IoT Core as we make each release — no more looking for updates on web pages or developer centers,” Steve Teixeira, general manager of Microsoft’s Windows partner application experience team, wrote in a blog post.

Windows 10 IoT Core is one of many flavors of Windows 10. It’s geared toward internet-connected devices. The maker-friendly MinnowBoard Max, Raspberry Pi 2 and 3, and Qualcomm DragonBoard 410c boards are all already supported. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the launch of Windows 10 IoT Core Pro for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

You can download Windows 10 IoT Core and the Insider preview here.