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Broadcom unveils combo chip aimed at tracking life [The Orange County Register :: ]
[September 12, 2014]

Broadcom unveils combo chip aimed at tracking life [The Orange County Register :: ]


(Orange County Register (CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 12--In case you didn't hear, Apple revealed its new iPhone 6 on Tuesday. In addition to being thinner, bigger and faster, the phone has a new chip that measures data from sensors calculating your steps, distance and elevation changes.



On the heels of Apple's announcement, Irvine-based Broadcom released details Wednesday about its new chip that combines sensors with global navigation (like GPS). The always-on device is meant to drive a new wave of mobile apps for health, fitness and "lifelogging," according to the company's statement.

Sound familiar? Though Broadcom could not comment on whether the company had anything to do with the chip in Apple's new phone, that might not be the point.


Context, one of the latest tech buzzwords, is key to Apple's recent announcement, says technology analyst Bruce Krulwich of Grizzly Analytics.

"Phones are getting smarter and getting more ingrained into everything we do," he says. By combining motion sensors with GPS in a chip that can also connect with a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth component, Broadcom's unique design could recognize when a runner is outdoors versus inside on a treadmill and, say, turn off the GPS when its not needed to save battery life.

Another important aspect is determining a specific location. GPS doesn't function well inside buildings and doesn't measure smaller movements. Once you've driven to the mall using GPS, for example, motion sensors could help determine that you've gone up an escalator and are entering a movie theater. Now that your phone knows the context of your location, it could silence your ringer during the film, Krulwich says.

Other companies like Sony and Nokia have been working on context technology for a while, but Apple has a way of increasing "the power of a trend," Krulwich says.

In other Broadcom news, the chip maker said Thursday it would supply new chips for TiVo's set-top boxes that will support Ultra HD content. The company said it also will supply the same technology to the devices of Vodafone Group Plc's German business. -- Marni Usheroff ___ (c)2014 The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) Visit The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) at www.ocregister.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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