Qualcomm Technologies is launching semiconductor platforms that will introduce what it claims is the first support for satellite communications (SATCOM) into wearables.
Called Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen2 wearable platforms, the chips will enable two-way emergency messaging directly from wearable devices using Skylo’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN). This will allow users to contact first responders in remote areas without any cell connection.
Qualcomm said that a hiker or person in a remote area could use a wearable to send an SOS message in the case of emergencies.
The platform will be available in a low power co-processor (Snapdragon W5+ Gent 2) or without a co-processor (Snapdragon W5 Gen 2).
Built on TSMC’s 4 nm system-on-chip process technology, some of the features of the chips include:
- Machine learning 3.0 for improved GPS positioning accuracy.
- 20% reduction in size compared to previous generation.
- Lower power consumption compared to previous generation.
- Compatible with Wear OS.
The chips will be used in Google’s Pixel Watch 4.
"For smartwatches, performance, efficiency, and connectivity are crucial features that need to work seamlessly in any environment, and this new platform, coupled with Wear OS 6, delivers on all fronts, and to be the first smartwatch to market with emergency satellite communications is a huge leap forward in our suite of safety features,” said Sandeep Waraich, senior director of product management for Google Wearables.
