Smartwatch platform reduces power consumption

Broadcom's smartwatch platform reduces power usage by up to 40% over the previous generation, driving further improvement on the core challenge of battery drain in wearables. The SoC platform improves function and performance by offering a smaller form factor, enabling OEMs to add more features or include a larger battery inside their wearable to allow for even longer time between charges.

In addition to the inclusion of an advanced AP and Broadcom's WiFi and Bluetooth combo chip, OEMs can choose to integrate GPS with sensor hub processing, NFC, wireless charging support and camera support based on their product needs.

With smartwatches expected to account for more than half of wearable shipments in 20152, there is a significant opportunity for companies to integrate a variety of features and quickly bring products to market. By providing a complete smartwatch reference design including hardware, Android Wear-enabled software, an optimised BOM and a rich set of features, Broadcom empowers OEMs to quickly develop robust consumer products to capture the growing market.

“Smartwatches represent a big piece of the wearable pie, and Broadcom's platform expands opportunities for Android Wear developers designing both high-end and affordable devices,” said Larry Olivas, Senior Director, Business Development, Wireless Connectivity Combos, Broadcom. “As a company that is in a majority of the top smartwatches for 2015, we have the expertise and longstanding connectivity leadership to power the next wave of wearables.”

Broadcom's smartwatch platform is now sampling.