Qualcomm’s latest announcement regarding the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and W5+ Gen 2 chips signifies a major leap forward in smartwatch innovation, especially for devices utilizing Wear OS. These new chips, which power the Google Pixel Watch 4, prioritize connectivity and efficiency over sheer processing capabilities. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 retains the 4nm SoC architecture featuring four Cortex-A53 cores, a Cortex-M55 coprocessor, and an Adreno 702 GPU, akin to its predecessor, yet boasts a 20% smaller form factor and enhanced efficiency.
A key highlight of the W5 Gen 2 is its capability to support Skylo’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN), facilitating satellite messaging functionalities. This enables the Pixel Watch 4 to transmit SOS messages complete with location data, even in regions lacking cellular service, thereby boosting user safety in isolated areas. Although this satellite messaging is restricted to two-way communication and location sharing, it represents a notable advancement for wearable tech.
Moreover, the W5 Gen 2 brings forth improved dual-band GPS tracking equipped with “Location Machine Learning 3.0,” enhancing GPS precision by 50% relative to earlier models. This enhancement proves especially advantageous in settings where GPS signals may be hindered, such as cities or canyons.
In spite of these improvements, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 does not provide a considerable boost in raw computational strength. Nonetheless, the addition of the Cortex-M55 coprocessor, known for its speed and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, facilitates enhanced on-device AI functionalities, like smart message replies.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 reaps the benefits of these enhancements, boasting superior GPS accuracy and satellite SOS capabilities while retaining the same dimensions as its earlier model. The watch’s augmented battery capacity and efficiency enhancements guarantee extended usage periods without compromising performance.
Though Qualcomm and Google have hinted at future innovations, including a potential RISC-V chip tailored for wearables, the current emphasis remains on connectivity and efficiency. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 lays the groundwork for prospective advancements in wearable technology, prioritizing user safety and functionality over raw processing prowess.
