Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon W5+·W5 2nd Generation Wearable Platform.. World's First NB-NTN Satellite Support

Qualcomm Technologies announced on the 21st the unveiling of the Snapdragon W5+ 2nd Generation Wearable Platform and the Snapdragon W5 2nd Generation Wearable Platform, which enhance connectivity, efficiency, form factor, and location tracking capabilities.
The Snapdragon W5+ 2nd Generation and W5 2nd Generation platforms utilize Skylo's Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) to support satellite connectivity for wearable devices for the first time in the industry. This allows for two-way emergency message transmission from wearable devices even in remote areas without cellular network connectivity. For example, adventurers can send SOS messages with wearable devices without worrying about mobile network connectivity in emergencies.
This new platform is supported in two versions: the Snapdragon W5+ 2nd Generation with a low-power co-processor and the W5 2nd Generation without a co-processor. Both platforms are designed based on a 4-nanometer system-on-chip (SoC) architecture, offering up to 50% improvement in GPS location accuracy compared to the previous generation through Location Machine Learning 3.0, and optimized RFFE that reduces size and power consumption by about 20% compared to the previous generation, enabling OEMs to achieve sleeker designs and extend battery life.
The Snapdragon W5 2nd Generation is compatible with Google's latest version of Wear OS and is first installed in the new Pixel Watch 4, supporting multi-device experiences, advanced features, and seamless integration.
Dino Bekis, Vice President and Head of Wearables and Mixed Signal Solutions at Qualcomm, said, “Qualcomm is supporting Wear OS to establish itself as the first operating system to integrate NB-NTN through the Snapdragon W5+ and W5 2nd Generation platforms, strengthening its leading position in the wearable technology field,” adding, “This technology allows for the transmission and reception of emergency messages via satellite even in the most remote areas. This emphasizes Qualcomm's commitment to applying advanced satellite technology capabilities to wearable platforms to enhance communication reliability and safety.”

solidkjy@fnnews.com Koo Ja-yoon Reporter