Qualcomm announces two new chips for IoE products

In light of the emergence of the Internet of Everything (IoE), Qualcomm has announced that it expects there to be 5 billion non-handset connected devices by 2018, seeing it as an area with ‘massive opportunities’ to both drive and lead the industry.

The company also revealed that it wants to bring app support to appliances with new embedded chipsets. The news comes just days after Samsung unveiled its Artik hardware-software modules for IoT devices.

Recently, Qualcomm has announced two new chips for use in IoE products. The Atheros QCA401x is the firm’s new flagship Wi-Fi solution and includes micro controller, processing, Wi-Fi and some storage for apps (800KB). It also supports Qualcomm’s AllJoyn and is aimed at any device. Another is the QCA4531 is a new Linux-based high performance with Wi-Fi (2×2) aimed at smart home hubs and automotive. It has the ability to act as both an 16-client access point or as a network client itself.

Qualcomm has already made USD 1 billion in revenue in the IoE (or Internet of Things IoT) area and it expects to increase its revenue by 10 percent this 2015. The firm has shipped more than 120 million smart solutions which are already in devices including GoPro cameras and Xbox consoles.

“A big part of Qualcomm Atheros’ strategy for the IoE is pairing the right mix of connectivity and computing capabilities from our deep technology portfolios to address the varying needs of the IoE,” said Joseph Bousaba, senior director of product management at Qualcomm Atheros.

On top of those chips, the DragonBoard 410x (a bit like a Raspberry Pi) has an integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, which costs around USD 75 and will start shipping in the summer 2015.

With these, and other solutions, Qualcomm expects to drive its IoE industry across a range of areas including wearable, healthcare, automotive, smart home and smart cities.