Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 launched with satellite messaging and improved GPS accuracy

SnapdragonW5Gen2

Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 wearable platforms, bringing satellite connectivity and improved efficiency to the smartwatch market. The platforms are the first in the wearable industry to support Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) satellite messaging, developed in collaboration with Skylo. The announcement coincided with the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4, which is the first smartwatch to feature the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.

Features

The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 are built on a 4nm system-on-chip (SoC) architecture, offering enhanced connectivity, efficiency, and location tracking. Satellite connectivity enables users to send and receive messages directly from their smartwatch when outside mobile and Wi-Fi coverage. Qualcomm says this two-way communication is designed for emergency scenarios, such as when adventurers are in remote or off-grid areas.

Another key improvement is Location Machine Learning 3.0, which enhances GPS accuracy by up to 50 percent compared to the previous generation. This aims to provide better navigation in challenging environments such as dense urban areas or deep canyons.

Qualcomm has also optimized the RF Front End (RFFE), contributing to a 20 percent reduction in size and lower power consumption. This allows manufacturers to design smaller and more efficient wearables with extended battery life.

The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 includes a low-power co-processor for improved energy efficiency, while the standard W5 Gen 2 is offered without the co-processor. Both are compatible with the latest Wear OS version and are tuned for multi-device integration.

Pixel Watch 4 integration

At Google’s Made by Google event, the Pixel Watch 4 was unveiled as the first device to feature the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. The smartwatch runs on Wear OS 6 and supports satellite-based SOS messaging. Google has confirmed that the satellite service will be offered at no additional charge for the first two years after activation, although availability will vary by region.

Industry collaboration

Qualcomm highlighted its collaboration with Google and Skylo for this launch. The integration of NB-NTN support in Wear OS makes it the first smartwatch operating system to provide satellite communication. Skylo’s satellite technology ensures coverage in areas outside terrestrial networks, with Qualcomm emphasizing both consumer and enterprise applications for the feature.

More

With the new platforms, Qualcomm aims to expand the role of smartwatches beyond health and connectivity by adding safety-oriented communication features. The combination of reduced size, lower power consumption, and improved GPS positioning is expected to influence future wearable designs from other manufacturers as well.