While it makes a number of processors for mobile phones, Qualcomm isn’t one to put all its chips in the same basket. The telecommunications company’s latest Snapdragon Wear 1100, which was unveiled at Computex 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan, is meant for wearables. But instead of smartwatches or wristbands, the Wear 1100 is targeting simpler devices such as fitness trackers.
The Snapdragon Wear 1100 is designed to power target-purpose wearables, like the WeBandz tracker. Image source Gizmag.
The new processor boasts low-power features, including a Power Saving Mode (PSM) to prolong battery life. For connectivity purposes, there’s an LTE/3G modem with support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In terms of security, there’s a hardware random number generator, cryptographic engine, TrustZone built into the chipset, and an integrated applications processor for Linux-based apps.
Qualcomm’s integrated location engine, iZat, is front and center, providing detailed location information through multi-GNSS and cell-ID positioning. According to Qualcomm, it expects its chip will be used in connected wearables such as those that offer tracking systems for children, the elderly, and pets.
Traditionally, wearables have been considered a niche market, but as sales continue to increase from 28.8 million to 78.1 million, according to IDC, the growth is something Qualcomm cannot afford to ignore.
Already collaborating with Aricent, Borqs, Infomark, and SurfaceInk, Qualcomm plans to create reference platforms based on the chip to accelerate the development of devices by OEMs. Anda Technologies, inWatch, and WeBandz recently announced target-purpose products based on these platforms.
Currently the chip is available and shipping, so be on the lookout for its partners to begin introducing new devices using the chipset soon.
Source: Qualcomm
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