Broadcom Unveils Industry's First Navigation Chip Designed For Wearable Gadgets

Ahead of MWC 2014, Broadcom Corp has launched its new BCM4771 GNSS SoC that promises to help wearable gadgets become low-power ones. Yep, bagging the title of being industry's first Global Navigation Satellite System SoC, the new chip makes it possible to bring location tracking to wearable device market with gadgets such as smart watches, smart glasses and fitness tracking equipment. With the new SoC designed in 40 nanometer (nm) process technology, Broadcom offers a one point solution to have low-cost, simple chip fit for wearables with improved accuracy of speed and distance measurements, all the while eating up to 75% less power than existing GNSS alternatives.

The Broadcom BCM4771 system on chip features precision activity tracking and data for the location. Like we mentioned earlier, the chip understand the distance and speed information and also calculate metrics like steps-taken by a person. Therefore, it can choose to close the non-relevant sensors. The integrated sensor hub (which makes it possible to have a lower overall bill of materials cost) and capability of contextual awareness just brings a prettier picture in future for wearable devices. Speaking of which, it is important to note that the company has shared it in the press release that revenues in the wireless wearable gadget segment are expected to be more than $6 billion in 2018.


Broadcom has been able to launch this chip due to the WICED (Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices) solutions and its SDK. We can expect the chip becoming available by the end of first quarter of 2014.

This brings us to what we can all expect in the wearable device segment in 2014. Well, firstly we have the second generation of Samsung's Galaxy Gear coming up. Then there's a possibility of Google Glass becoming openly available for everyone with hopefully a lower price. There will be more smarter fitness tracking devices and we might probably see Apple venturing into this arena too. There's of course development expected from Sony and Intel too. Do check out these two videos if you already haven't.



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