Chip makers are responding to the hot wearable-computer trend with new processor designs as they also seize the opportunity to breathe life into existing chip technologies that previously failed to catch hold.
A number of chip makers are using the IFA trade show in Berlin this week as the latest venue for announcing new chipsets and wearable computers. Texas Instruments on Thursday announced a power-efficient projector chipset that could fit into wearable computers. In an unexpected move, Qualcomm on Wednesday announced a smartwatch called Toq, the same day that Samsung, which makes its own chips, introduced its Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
Toq, which will be out in the fourth quarter, is a way for Qualcomm to show off its latest MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) and screen technologies. The highlight of the smartphone is the Mirasol display, which is considered more power-efficient than other screen technologies such as LED and OLED. Mirasol shares characteristics of electronic-ink screens found on e-readers as the screen does not glare in sunlight.
The smartwatch also will use Qualcomm sensors, wireless recharging circuitry and homegrown Bluetooth technology to connect to speakers and smartphones.
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