Everything points to the wearable accessories segment, where smartwatches are the prime example, being one of the sectors that will receive the most advancements in both software and hardware (the rise of the Internet of Things is one of the reasons for this). An example of this is the announcement of a processor specifically developed to be the benchmark solution for this type of product: the Snapdragon Wear 2100.
This Qualcomm model arrives to replace the Snapdragon 400 as the primary choice for smartwatch manufacturers (especially those using the Android operating system), and to make progress in areas where it is currently clear that a definitive step is neededIn this way, according to the manufacturer, progress is made in key aspects such as, for example, energy consumption.
Here it has been stated that SoC energy requirements are reduced by 25%, so saving is clear and can be a spearhead in correcting one of the great handicaps that smart watches have: autonomy. In this way, the time between recharges will be increased and, all of this, without losing an iota of power when working with the operating system.
Technical specifications and platform
The Snapdragon Wear 2100 relies on a CPU of quad core ARM Cortex-A7 optimized for low power consumption, with frequencies that can be configured up to 1,2 GHz according to the manufacturer's design. The graphic section incorporates a Adreno GPU 304 with support for OpenGL ES 3.0, sufficient for smooth interfaces and animations on clocks.
For memory, the SoC supports LPDDR3 to 400 MHz and supports screens up to 480 x 640 pixels at 60 Hz, a common resolution in circular and rectangular smartwatch displays. It is manufactured in a 28nm process and uses an architecture of 32 bitsBalancing performance and efficiency with a clear focus on energy saving.
In addition to the CPU and GPU, Qualcomm integrates a subsystem of low consumption sensors for more precise motion measurement, along with features such as hardware voice activation y Noise CancellationIt also offers compatibility with Quick Charge 2.0 to speed up reloading in designs that enable it.
The SoC is accompanied by the Snapdragon Wear platform, a set of tools and software designed for accelerate development of all types of wearables, reducing design costs and maintaining a consistent architecture. This platform includes support for both A as if to Androidfacilitating connected and always-on experiences.
Always connected
But here the news of the Snapdragon Wear 2100 does not end, since it has been indicated that the processor size is reduced by 30%, so it will be possible to reduce the size of future SmartWatchespecially in terms of thickness (and, of course, the more "feminine" designs are also included).
This doesn't mean that current connectivity options are lost, as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are still present. Quite the opposite. The Snapdragon Wear 2100 also integrates, if the manufacturer so chooses, a LTE modem that clearly indicates one of the key elements in the future of wearable accessories: being always connected, and with a high data speed. This will make these devices tremendously more useful, no question.
Qualcomm offers two connectivity approaches: variants tethered by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (smartphone dependent) and options with cellular connectivity that enable calls, messages, or music streaming independently. The compatible modem includes LTE Cat 4 with rates of up to 150 Mbps download y 50 Mbps upload speed, in addition to support for 3G and technologies like LTE FDD/TDD, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, EV-DO, CDMA 1x y 2G GSM/EDGE.
In short-range radios, the solution integrates Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n y Bluetooth 4.1, plus NFC y GPS for positioning. All of this has been designed to maintain a constant low-power activityessential in watches that monitor health and activity throughout the day.
LG, the first on the list
This Asian company, which is clearly betting on the segment of the Smart watches With Android Wear, it was one of the first to announce that it would launch a product with the new Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor. This was confirmed by LG's vice president, David yoon, emphasizing that the brand would demonstrate the innovations enabled by this SoC in its upcoming devices.
LG's catalog had already shown its interest in the format with models such as L, LG G Watch R y LG Watch UrbaneAnd with Snapdragon Wear 2100, the door was opened to more stylized designs already a greater autonomyQualcomm, for its part, encouraged manufacturers with the promise that the platform would allow innovation in both design and functions, and even give watches more independence from the phone.
Beyond watches, the family Snapdragon Wear It was expanded with solutions such as the Snapdragon Wear 1100, geared towards wearables specific use cases (tracking of children or the elderly, activity monitors, smart headphones), reinforcing connectivity, location and efficiency for very compact devices.
Over time, the Snapdragon Wear 2100's role has been key in consolidating the category: its combination of Energy Efficiency , small size y advanced connectivity It laid the foundation for a new generation of wearables. Although subsequent generations have made the leap to smaller nodes (such as 10 nm and 7 nm) and modernized architectures with better readiness for AI and machine learningThis SoC marked the turning point that the sector needed to take off and diversify formats, from watches to other IoT devices.
