Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip for wearable devices
By ForGeeks
Qualcomm has officially announced the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 platform for wearable gadgets. The lineup includes two versions: the standard version, which is already used in the Google Pixel Watch 4, and the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 with an additional co-processor.
Like its predecessor, the chip is built using a 4nm process and features a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor. However, the new version features notable improvements in connectivity and power efficiency.
The main new feature is support for NB-NTN (Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network). This technology allows you to connect even when there’s no cellular network, which is especially useful in rural or wilderness areas where you can call for help without a smartphone.
GPS positioning accuracy has also been improved, with Location Machine Learning 3.0 increasing it by 50%, which is especially noticeable in dense urban areas.
The modem size has been reduced by 20% and power consumption has been reduced, making the platform more suitable for smartwatches and wristbands.
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 version features a separate co-processor built on a 22nm process. It handles basic tasks while the main chip is turned off, which further saves battery life.
