It's been a while since there has been a true innovation in computing. Arguably, the last time the industry was really shaken up was the rise of the smartphone, which led to a steady decrease in PC sales. Now, there seems to be something new: a computer on a stick. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) are both offering a USB stick that can turn any display device into a computer. Although it is an interesting idea, it is likely to remain more of a novelty than an actual game-changer. Both Intel and Google, the latter in partnership with Asus, will soon start selling computers on a USB stick. Intel's product is rather unimaginatively dubbed the Compute Stick, and Google's offering has been christened the Chromebit. Both are meant to do roughly the same thing, although there is a bit of a difference in specs and price tag. Read more