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Tag: watch

  • u-blox SARA-U260 Module Receives AT&T Approval

    u-blox SARA-U260 Module Receives AT&T Approval

    The u-blox SARA-U260 module.
    The u-blox SARA-U260 module. Photo: Swiss u-box

    Swiss u‑blox says that its SARA-U260 dual-band 3G/2G module has achieved AT&T network compatible status.

    The certification allows customers to design SARA-U260 modems into M2M devices operating over AT&T’s extensive 3G network in the USA. Typical applications include small tracking boxes, usage-based insurance devices, smart metering, wearable electronics, and connected fitness watches.

    SARA-U260 is a complete 3G/2G voice/data module for applications that still require roaming ability with 2G using AT&T’s extensive 3G network coverage. The SARA-U260 provides full voice and data capability as well as a full suite of IP protocol stacks. The module features have been selected to give customers specific features they need for telematics units, handheld devices, communications modules, point-of-sale terminals, vehicle “black boxes,” and utility meters.

    SARA-U260 provides efficient and cost-effective mobile connectivity in a miniature 16 x 26 mm2 LGA form factor. The module is pin-compatible with SARA-G3 GSM/GPRS modules, as well as layout-compatible with LISA-U2 (HSPA) and TOBY-L2LTE modules to support future-proof 4G LTE designs.

    All SARA modules share the same form-factor and footprint and are designed based on u-blox’ “nested design” philosophy. This allows engineers to develop one hardware/software platform to support GSM/GPRS, HSPA, or LTE, depending on their end customer requirements.

    SARA-U260 hosts multiple embedded IP protocols, such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP, and FTP. In-band modem support for automotive emergency calls like eCall and ERA/GLONASS are also integrated. With extremely low-power consumption, the SARA-U260 is designed for battery-powered and handheld devices.

    With direct A-GPS support for accelerated positioning and u-blox’ CellLocate hybrid positioning technology, SARA-U260 is designed to match u-blox advanced GNSS positioning capabilities, including indoor positioning.

    “u-blox is proud that AT&T certified our SARA-U260 module for its network,” said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, president of u-blox America. “Our robust voice and data modules deliver powerful 3G connectivity with 2G fallback in the smallest package on the market, at a price that customers recently paid for a 2G module.”

    For Europe and Asia, u-blox also offers the pin- and software compatible certified version SARA-U270.

    RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows is available free of charge from u-blox.

  • Dedicated GPS Devices to Reach $7 Billion in 2018

    Despite the continued decline of PNDs, and the threat of smartphones, smart watches and eyewear, the portable GPS-enabled device market is forecast to continue to hold its own thanks to dedicated HUD/eyewear, cycling and health/tracking devices, according to a report by ABI Research.

    ABI Research’s quarterly GNSS Database forecasts the new and emerging markets for GPS-enabled devices, and where the opportunities lie in terms of device formats and vertical markets. The report also considers the impact of competitive formats such as smartphone applications, wearable sensors, smart watches, and smart eyewear, providing a complete picture of drivers and inhibitors in this market.

    Senior analyst Patrick Connolly comments, “The overall market is forecast to grow from 33.3 million units in 2012 to 36.79 million in 2018, following a brief dip in 2013 as PND declines outweigh growth in other areas. Total revenues will undergo a brief period of fluctuation from 2013 to 2015, before rising to $7.14 billion in 2018.”

    Dominique Bonte adds, “The markets for cycling computers, health/elderly, and fitness are starting to get interesting. As ASPs decline and smart watches become a more established part of our lives, the addressable market will be eaten up, limiting the growth potential for dedicated fitness devices. Looking longer term, ABI Research has forecast very strong growth for HUD/eyewear devices, particularly in the fitness, golf, and cycling categories. It would not be surprising to see an acquisition in this space over the next 12 months.”

    These findings are part of ABI Research’s Location Devices Research Service, which includes research analyses, market data, insights, and competitive assessments focused on the GPS/GNSS IC and devices markets.