Apollo4 SoC Family from Ambiq Redefines Ultra-low Power in Wearables, Connected Devices and Always-on Voice-Processing

Ambiq unveiled its latest Apollo4 SoC family, enabling next generation endpoint devices with record-setting energy efficiency - running as low as 3µA/MHz - and new levels of performance. The new Apollo4 systems enable manufacturers to create leading-edge endpoint devices leveraging the unique SPOT platform with Ambiq’s easy-to-use, rich peripheral set. The Apollo4 is available now with CSP and BGA package offerings, as well as an Apollo4 Blue SoC with Bluetooth LE.

The consumer electronics team at Futuresource Consulting has made available a free perspectives report covering the role of wearables within fitness ecosystems in four sports contexts: health clubs, swimming, cycling, and running. The report has been supported with in-depth research with industry stakeholders across all disciplines, from both a hardware and software perspective. The document discusses some of the key top-line trends on wearables in sport and is now available as a free download.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and fast connectivity – critical ingredients for the next era of category leaders such as smartphones, smart home devices and smart speakers – will drive the U.S. consumer technology industry to a record-breaking $398 billion in retail revenues ($301 billion wholesale) in 2019 and 3.9 percent year-over-year (YOY) growth, which includes streaming services revenue, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). A record growth anticipating the introduction of 5G smartphones and 8K TVs in 2019.

4K UHD television sets, digital streaming devices and smart speakers are among the fastest growing technology segments, according to the latest Consumer Technology Association (CTA) research. Smartphones continue their meteoric popularity and are now owned in 87 percent of U.S. homes, second only to televisions at 96 percent ownership. Laptops are the third most popular product in the United States. Smartwatches are also growing in popularity.

Between May and October this year, Futuresource Consulting interviewed more than 8,000 people about their intent to buy wearable technology and saw a significant increase in the intent to purchase. There was a 50% increase in intention to buy fitness trackers and a 125% increase in intention to buy smartwatches.