Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 Makes AI More Accessible

13-12-2018 | By Moe Long

The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 boasts Intel Movidius X VPU. You’ll benefit from OpenVINO compatibility, and incredible ease of use. The artificial intelligence (AI) USB stick features improved AI algorithm creation. Featuring plug-and-play operation, simply plug in the Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 and spin up AI applications in a matter of minutes. The NCS 2 works with a USB 3.0 port. There’s no external power supply required.

Intended for edge and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the Inten Neural Compute Stick 2 offers the ability to test and prototype neural networks. What’s more, the tiny device, resembling a mere flash drive, the NCS 2 eschews the need for cloud connectivity or network. Instead, it runs straight from the device itself.

Onboard, you’ll find 16 shave cores in the Intel Movidius X VPU with as high as eight times as much power as its predecessor. OpenVINO software adds the ability to run on a multitude of Intel hardware options. With AI on the rise in a bevy of spaces, from gaming to smart home tech, there’s loads of opportunity for the Inten Neural Compute Stick 2 to aid developers. Moreover, the Intel NCS 2 benefits devs by streamlining the process of using deep neural networks, and makes it increasingly accessible.

  • Low power consumption
  • 16 cores
  • Neural compute engine for dedicated deep neural network acceleration
  • Plug-and-play
  • Works with tons of frameworks
  • OpenVINO Toolkit support
  • No need for cloud or network connectivity
  • Runs on a variety of CPUs including FPGA and integrated graphics
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By Moe Long

Moe Long is an editor, writer, and tech buff with a particular appreciation for Linux, Raspberry Pis, and retro gaming. When he's not hammering away at his keyboard, he enjoys running, reading, watching cinema, and listening to vinyl. You can read his writings on at Tech Up Your Life and check out his thoughts on all things tech.