Qualcomm’s new processor promises thinner, longer lasting smartwatches

Qualcomm has unveiled its first processor specifically designed for wearable devices, the Snapdragon Wear 2100. While the vast majority of Android Wear devices are powered by Qualcomm processors, the Snapdragon 400 commonly found inside them was built for smartphones rather than smartwatches.

Qualcomm says the Snapdragon Wear 2100 is 30% smaller than the Snapdragon 400, and as such will facilitate thinner, sleeker smartwatch designs. The new processor also uses 25% less power, which should boost battery life.

In terms of technical specifications, the Snapdragon Wear 2100 has four cores clocked at 1.2GHz, support for displays up to 640×480 pixels in resolution, Quick Charge technology, and NFC.

The new chipset is available to manufacturers from today. LG has already confirmed that it plans to build new smartwatches featuring the Snapdragon Wear 2100.

"We are delighted about Qualcomm Technologies' next generation wearable plans, are planning to extend our collaboration with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor," said LG vice president of wearables David Yoon, "[we] look forward to launching new smartwatches and other wearable devices that bring new and innovative use cases to consumers later this year."