Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and W5+ Gen 2 - satellite communication now in smartwatches
During the Made by Google event, where the Pixel Watch 4 also debuted, Qualcomm introduced a new generation of its wearable platform - Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and W5+ Gen 2. The main novelty is satellite communication support, which opens up new horizons for security and autonomy.
Snapdragon W5. Illustration: Qualcomm
Key features:
Satellite communication via Skylo NNTN - for the first time, wearables are able to send emergency messages even in places without mobile coverage or Wi-Fi. This is especially useful for travellers, tourists and rescue services. The W5 is the base model, while the W5+ has an additional energy-efficient coprocessor that allows for better battery optimisation.
Technological improvements
- 4nm SoC architecture
- Location Machine Learning 3.0 - GPS accuracy has increased by 50% compared to the previous generation
- Optimised RF Front End - 20% reduction in component size and power consumption
Pixel Watch 4 - the first on W5 Gen 2
The new Google watch runs on Wear OS 6 and is the first device to use W5 Gen 2. Qualcomm emphasises that the platform is designed to improve the interaction between devices without compromising performance or battery life.
Source: www.qualcomm.com
