Qualcomm introduced a “new platform for next generation wearable devices”, called Snapdragon Wear.

The company said it is offering a full suite of silicon, software, support tools and reference designs, to enable mobile, fashion and sports companies to bring products quickly to market.

It said that its technology “already powers the majority of Android Wear smartwatches”, and with its Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC it is positioned to “extend its progress in wearables technology by enabling sleek designs, long battery life, smart sensing, and always-connected experiences”.

South Korean device maker LG Electronics has already stated support, noting it “looks forward to launching new smartwatches and other wearable devices that bring new and innovative use cases to consumers later this year”.

Qualcomm subsequently announced three more vendors who will support the offering. Borqs will offer connected and tethered smartwatch and kid watch reference designs; Compal will offer reference designs and device production using Snapdragon Wear 2100; and Infomark will work on products targeting kid and elderly watch segments.

Among the benefit touted are a smaller size, to enable “thinner, sleeker designs”; lower power consumption; smarter sensors, with an integrated ultra-low power sensor hub; and connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE (“tethered” and “connected” versions will be available).

Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC and other products within the Snapdragon Wear line are available now. It said that “numerous” products are already in development, with planned commercial availability later this year.