Innovative Qualcomm platforms power breakthrough IoT devices at IFA

From new 360-degree cameras to the QLED TVs that will stream their high-resolution footage, IFA 2017 brought more than 1,800 exhibitors to Berlin where they showcased a wide range of products that are changing the way consumers connect and interact with their homes and devices.

Among the standouts were many products by our customers. Here we’re highlighting five IoT devices powered by a variety of robust platforms from Qualcomm Technologies: the QCA9379 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 mobile platform, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor — each powering exciting new user experiences for consumers.

Our own Raj Talluri, SVP Product Management for IoT for Qualcomm Technologies, also addressed a crowded IFA+ Summit during his keynote, Accelerating the IoT on the path to 5G, highlighting the exciting future for the IoT. As just one example, he discussed how 360 degree cameras (several launched at the show) are critical to providing content for VR and how Qualcomm Technologies is empowering a comprehensive 360/VR ecosystem. Additionally, he touched on how 5G enhanced mobile broadband with extreme throughput, ultra-low latency and a uniform experience, even at the cell edge, will be critical to the mass adoption of XR technologies.

Here’s a recap of some of the connected devices highlighted at one of the world’s largest consumer electronics trade shows:

Samsung’s premium line of QLED TVs are getting a boost thanks to the inclusion of QCA9379 home entertainment solutions. The chipset is engineered to provide reliable, lightning-fast connectivity via dual-stream Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for more interactive, media-viewing experiences.

With robust, reliable connectivity, streaming 4K Ultra HD video is faster than ever. The chip features the newest Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard with support for Multi-User MIMO, allowing for faster downloads at a higher capacity than previous generations. The QCA9379 also boasts separate Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi antennas designed for concurrent connectivity, so remotes and gaming accessories can be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth for better gaming with long battery life and optional support for voice. Traditional line-of-sight restraints are eliminated, and support for functions like voice command will allow users to flip through channels with ease.

The new line of Samsung QLED TVs are available today.

Acer Holo360

Acer showed two LTE-connected, 360-degree cameras — one for capturing usual memories and the other customized for your car. At the heart of both the Holo360 Camera and Vision360 Camera is the Qualcomm Connected Camera platform. The cameras are powered by the Snapdragon 625 SoC, which comes with an integrated CPU, Qualcomm Hexagon DSP, Qualcomm Adreno 506 GPU, and a Snapdragon X9 LTE modem engineered for instantly sharing or streaming your videos, without having to sync with a smartphone or PC.

The Holo360 includes Panamorph optics, certified by ImmerVision. This allows users to capture high-resolution images (in 6.9K resolution) and videos (in 4K resolution) essentially without distortion. The camera’s 3-inch touchscreen displays these vivid 360-degree videos and photos and users can also re-live their favorite (and not-so-favorite) moments with a VR headset.

For those who like to get wet, there is an optional IP-68-rated waterproof case that works to 1 meter underwater.

The Acer Holo360 is expected to be available in North America in November, and include a water-resistant case. Specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.

Ricoh introduced an exciting update of the Ricoh Theta 360-degree camera that is also based on the Snapdragon Connected Camera platform, and includes support for 4K media and high-speed transfer capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon 625 SoC.

The Ricoh Theta V captures high resolution still images and smooth 360-degree video at 30 frames per second and a resolution of 3840 x 1920 pixels, or 4K. The camera features four microphones to supports 360-degree, spatial audio that’s recorded horizontally and vertically. When matched with the 360-degree video, the omnidirectional audio can reproduce the sights and sounds of its environment, making viewers feel like they were there in person. And by harnessing the power of the Snapdragon 625, the Ricoh Theta V brings an array of unique features, such as fisheye de-warping, 3D audio, and on-device stitching.

The Ricoh Theta V is on sale starting this month in most regions.

Powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2100 mobile platform, the TCL Movetime Family Watch MT30 helps parents stay connected with their kids — in more ways than one, providing increased ease of mind.

With the Snapdragon Wear 2100, the smartwatch can take advantage of LTE connectivity to allow kids to call or message their parents by selecting numbers, directly from their watch. The MT30 is engineered to provide accurate tracking locations (both indoors and outdoors) and geo-fencing capabilities through the platform’s integrated GPS. The smartwatch syncs with a dedicated mobile app. and in case of emergencies, an S.O.S. button can be pressed to call for help.

With the MT30 kids can connect with friends via Bluetooth, and create to-do lists and reminders (because it’s never too early to learn time management skills). The smartwatch is also “kid-proof” with an IP-67 rating, so users can take the MT30 for a dip of up to one meter underwater. Watchfaces and wristbands are also swappable, keeping up with any and every trend.

The TCL Movetime Family Watch MT30 is expected to be available worldwide, starting in Europe and LATAM in October.

Authored by The OnQ Team