Qualcomm has announced a new mobile processor design which targets the smartwatch space. Dubbed the Snapdragon Wear 2100, it’s the stuff that will power the next generation of Android Wear watches.
Indeed, we’re finally at a place where we can talk about strides in processors for watches. With very few exceptions, just about every Android Wear model to date has offered a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400. But, given that CPU was initially designed for smartphones and tablets, there were concessions that had to be made. Namely, size and overall performance.
Looking ahead to later this year, we’ll get a new crop of devices powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2100. What’s different about the new chip? Qualcomm points to a number of areas where it marks a step forward. Generally speaking, it will be smaller, more efficient, and smarter.
- Smaller Size – 30 percent smaller than the popular Snapdragon 400, Snapdragon Wear 2100 can help enable new, thinner, sleeker designs
- Lower Power – 25 percent lower power than the Snapdragon 400 across both tethered and connected use cases, allowing for longer day of use battery life
- Smarter Sensors – With an integrated, ultra-low power sensor hub, Snapdragon Wear 2100 enables richer algorithms with greater accuracy than the Snapdragon 400
- Always Connected – Next-generation LTE modem with integrated GNSS, along with low power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth delivers an always connected experience
Qualcomm did not name any particular models or set expectations as to when we’ll see the first models to integrate Snapdragon Wear 2100 CPU’s. Will it come as soon as Mobile World Congress later this month? We would not be surprised if someone were to announce an Android Wear model powered by the new chip.
Qualcomm