Tag: Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2

  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Faces Competition from Tag Heuer Connected E5

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Faces Competition from Tag Heuer Connected E5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tag Heuer will reveal a new smartwatch on October 8, likely succeeding the Connected Calibre E4 after over three years.
    2. The new smartwatch is expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, enhancing performance and efficiency.
    3. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 will support satellite connectivity, marking a significant upgrade from the previous model.
    4. Tag Heuer is developing a microLED display for the smartwatch, which could make it the second smartwatch globally to use this technology.
    5. The microLED display may offer higher brightness (up to 4,500 nits) compared to current AMOLED options, potentially influencing the smartwatch’s price.

    Tag Heuer has set up a teaser webpage that confirms a new smartwatch will be revealed on Wednesday, October 8. While the site doesn’t disclose any specific information about this upcoming smartwatch, it’s logical to think that the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is finally getting a proper successor after a wait of more than three years. The brand’s latest range of smartwatches was introduced back in February 2022.

    Anticipated Enhancements

    This upcoming flagship smartwatch is anticipated to bring at least two major improvements. Firstly, the company might replace the outdated Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ with the newer Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. This switch would mean the old chip is being replaced by one equipped with four ARM Cortex-A57 efficiency cores running at speeds of up to 1.7GHz. The new chipset’s efficiency is enhanced thanks to its four Cortex-A53 cores and a 4nm manufacturing process, a leap from the older 12nm. Additionally, this new SoC will support satellite connectivity.

    Display Innovations

    In a more thrilling development, Tag Heuer has been working on a microLED display for smartwatches alongside AU Optronics for several years. This indicates that the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E5 could potentially be the second smartwatch globally to feature a microLED screen. This technology made its first appearance on the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro microLED. The display brightness for Garmin’s smartwatch is an impressive 4,500 nits, whereas the Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED (starting at $1,199 on Amazon) reaches around 3,000 nits. However, the microLED version comes with a higher price tag, which might also influence the cost of Tag Heuer’s forthcoming smartwatch.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Faces Competition from Tag Heuer Connected E5

     

    Tags: ,
  • Google Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable Battery

    Google Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Larger, Enhanced Display: The Pixel Watch 4 features a 10% larger display with 16% smaller bezels, improved brightness of 3,000 nits, and adjustable refresh rates from 1 Hz to 60 Hz.

    2. Improved Durability: The watch is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, has a repairable housing, and maintains water resistance up to 5 ATM.

    3. Better Performance and Battery Life: Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset, it offers a 25% battery life increase, reaching 30 hours for the 41mm and 40 hours for the 45mm version.

    4. Fast Charging and Enhanced Features: The upgraded fast charging can reach 50% in 15 minutes, with improved vibration and speaker features, plus compatibility with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, and UWB.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Pixel Watch 4 is available for pre-order at $349 for the 41mm model and $399 for the 45mm model, with LTE options for an additional $100, and deliveries starting on October 9.

    Google has recently introduced the next version of the Pixel Watch 3. Although it might seem like the design hasn’t changed much at first look, the housing of the watch has been completely reworked, which should bring several notable benefits. To start, the glass is now curved and the OLED panel itself has also been curved. This has allowed Google to make a display that is 10% larger with bezels that are 16% smaller.

    Enhanced Display Features

    The new brightness level has been boosted by 50%, reaching 3,000 nits, and the refresh rate can be adjusted from 1 Hz up to 60 Hz. The screen is shielded by Gorilla Glass 5, making it resistant to scratches. Additionally, on the side opposite the digital crown, there are now two new pins that facilitate charging the Pixel Watch 4. This allows the watch to be charged while standing upright, keeping the display visible. Another important update is that the new housing is officially repairable, meaning that at least the display and battery can be replaced if needed, and it maintains its water resistance up to 5 ATM.

    Performance and Battery Life

    The Pixel Watch 4 is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset, which matches the performance of the previous W5 Gen 1 but introduces the ability for satellite emergency calls; however, this feature is only available on the pricier LTE model of the Pixel Watch 4. Google has paired this chip with a new co-processor that is claimed to be 25% stronger while using only half the energy. This contributes, among other things, to a battery life increase of 25%, reaching 30 hours for the 41mm version and 40 hours for the 45mm version.

    The upgraded fast charging feature can take the Pixel Watch 4 from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes. The vibration motor is now 15% stronger, and the speaker has also seen improvements to enhance interactions with Google Gemini. Google promotes a more precise GPS module, and the smartwatch is compatible with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and ultrawideband (UWB). Beyond the ECG feature, the Pixel Watch 4 also includes a cEDA sensor for tracking stress levels and a sensor for measuring skin temperature.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Google Pixel Watch 4 is currently available for pre-order through the Google Store, but deliveries won’t start until October 9. The 41-mm model is priced at $349, while the 45-mm version costs $399. An integrated LTE modem can be added for an additional $100. Both models come in silver and black, with the smaller model offering gold and the larger model available in blue.

    Source:
    Link

    Google Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable BatteryGoogle Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Connectivity & Replaceable Battery

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 & W5+ Gen 2: New Smartwatch Chips Unveiled

    Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 & W5+ Gen 2: New Smartwatch Chips Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm has launched two new SoCs for smartwatches: Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2, replacing the W5 Gen 1.
    2. Key specifications remain similar, featuring four Arm Cortex-A53 CPU cores and an Adreno 702 GPU, with the W5+ model including a low-power co-processor.
    3. Both SoCs introduce satellite connectivity via Skylo’s NB-NTN, allowing text sending at 2 kbps but lacking GPS support.
    4. Additional connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and a new U55 AI chip for improved GPS accuracy.
    5. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 will debut with Google’s Pixel Watch 4, offering two years of free satellite services to users.

    Qualcomm has introduced two new SoCs designed for smartwatches: the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and the W5 Gen 2. These new chips take over from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 that was released in 2023. Sadly, there isn’t much of an upgrade in specs, except for the addition of satellite connectivity, which is a first for smartwatches powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear.

    Specifications Overview

    To start with, both the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and the W5+ Gen 2 are still equipped with four Arm Cortex-A53 CPU cores, an Adreno 702 GPU, and LPDDR4-2133 memory. However, the W5+ model includes a Qualcomm QCC5100 co-processor (which has 1 Cortex M5 core and a 2.5D iGPU) that helps the smartwatch operate in a low-power mode.

    Connectivity Features

    The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and the W5+ Gen 2 support Skylo’s NB-NTN (Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite connectivity. This feature allows users to send texts at a speed of 2 kbps, but strangely, it doesn’t support GPS coordinates. Other features consist of Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and a newly introduced U55 AI chip that enhances GPS accuracy.

    Launch Details

    The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 is set to launch with Google’s Pixel Watch 4. A closer look at the details shows that owners of the Pixel Watch 4 will enjoy free satellite services for two years, after which they might need to subscribe to continue using the feature.

    Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 & W5+ Gen 2: New Smartwatch Chips Unveiled

     

    Tags: ,