Qualcomm Inc.’s (NASDAQ: QCOM) subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., rolled out a new chipset, Snapdragon Wear 3100, designed specifically for Wear OS infrastructure. On September 10, 2018, the company made an official announcement about the new processor at an event in San Francisco.
At the launch event supported by Google, the chipset maker emphasized that the new Qualcomm processor for Wear OS would allow the customers to enjoy the blend of fashion watch, smartwatch, sports watch and an analog watch on a single Android wearable device.
“Our customers are currently shipping more than 100 Wear OS by Google smartwatches with 25 brands globally based on our existing platforms,” mentioned Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Voice, Music and Wearables, Qualcomm.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 is made for three types of Android smartwatches – Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, GPS-based and lastly 4G LTE supported. The company has started shipping Snapdragon 3100 processor from now to its first customers which are Fossil Group, Louis Vuitton, and Montblanc.
Google, however, clearly mentioned earlier that it has no plans to release a smartwatch either in the October 9 event or even by this year-end.
Key Features of New Qualcomm Processor
Qualcomm earlier released a primary operating system for the smartwatch segment, Snapdragon 2100, more than two years back. By introducing new architecture underpinning Wear OS ecosystem, the chipmaker endeavors to break the stagnant phase in the smart wrist devices, cited The Verge.
The key feature of the Snapdragon Wear 3100 Platform is the addition of a new coprocessor that will boost Android smartwatches performance. Snapdragon 3100’s new partner processor, QCC1110, will consume ultra-low power when the Wear OS device is activated in ambient mode. The arrangement will, thus, result in boosting the performance of the parent processor along with enriching audio, display and sensor experiences.
The next generation version of Qualcomm processor highlights three key principles – enhanced interactive mode, fresh personalized experiences and stretched longevity.
“We’re excited to see Qualcomm Technologies’ new Snapdragon Wear 3100, their continued investment in the wearable space, and we look forward to the ecosystem bringing the next generation of smartwatch technology to the industry,” mentioned Dennis Troper, Director of Product Management at Wear OS by Google.
Enhanced Interactive Mode
Qualcomm closely worked with Google Wear OS team in order to create breakthrough Snapdragon Wear 3100 Platform and embed fluid experiences on the Android smartwatches. The new processor is designed to support stronger connectivity, smart sensing, compelling configurations and high performance.
The key feature of the Snapdragon Wear 3100 Platform is the addition of a new co-processor that will boost Android smartwatches performance. Source: Qualcomm
Fresh Personalized Experiences
The new Qualcomm processor will leverage three fresh individualistic modes on the new sets of Android smartwatches. These are Enhanced Ambient Mode, Dedicated Sports Experiences, and Traditional Watch Mode.
In detail, smartwatches built on Snapdragon 3100 architecture will support a second-hand movement, notify live complications and a brighter display illuminating up to 16 colors.
Plus, the new chipset does a better job with GPS and fitness monitoring while tracking, hiking, swimming or doing other adventurous activity.
Lastly, the new smartwatch will receive a functionality wherein, during low power mode, it will switch-off smart apps and showcase a simple analog watch, thus extending battery life.
Stretched Longevity
The new Qualcomm processor boasts elongated battery life, all thanks to the co-processor. It is optimized to utilize low power, particularly during low power modes, and location sensing, on-air connectivity, music playback, and sensor processing.
Eventually, this advanced feature leads to extend the Snapdragon 3100’s battery life from 4 to 12 hours when compared to its predecessor. Moreover, the sports Android smartwatches will get a life of around 15 hours of continuous use while keeping GPS and heart monitoring on.
In the end, if the new smartwatches based on Snapdragon Wear 3100 switch to Traditional Watch Mode, they will operate for a week.
