Mediatek MT2502 “Aster” SoC for wearables and IoT was released in 2014 with an ARM7 MCU, built-in Bluetooth, PMIC, and GSM/GPRS modem, and support for external WiFi and GPS chips. The upcoming MT2503 integrates functionality even further as GPS is now embedded inside the SoC, and Shenzhen Alpha Telecom Technology demonstrated their M009 smartwatch based on the latest Mediatek SoC at CES Asia 2016 in Shanghai.
M009 smartwatch specifications:
- SoC – Mediatek MT2503 ARM7 processor with GSM/GPRS modem, Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR 2.1, GPS (MT3333), PMIC
- Display – 1.22″ or 1.3″ 240×240 resolution TFT display
- Cellular Connectivity – SIM card
- Sensors – HRM, pressure sensor
- Misc – 2x buttons
- Dimensions – 36 x 32 x 11 mm
There will be two version of the processor MT2503A and MT2503D with the former supporting external serial flash.
If you’d like to integrate a ready to use module in your design, ATS Link provides W120 module with the processor and all required extra components.
The video in Italian below shows Shenzhen Alpha’s M009 smartwatch, as well as another model – H009 – based on Rockchip RK6321 processor, which I previously thought to be canceled, as it was born from the now defunct Intel and Rockchip partnership.
Via Notebook Italia
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Why would they make the casing so large when the actual display is only a subset of it?
It’s nice to see Mediatek packing so much into the SoC, but BT4.0 or greater would’ve certainly been the way to go. Ah well, will wait for the next iteration of the chipset.
Good find though.
@Jay
The rectangular model mentioned later in the video uses most of the screen.
Looking at the PCB, there’s at least 3 or 4 chips that can be bundled together to make a single SoC so I’m sure in a generation or two they’ll have standalone smartwatches that actually look like real watches.
@Jay
I’m hoping Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR 2.1 is a mistake, because Mediatek MT2502 supports Bluetooth 4.0 LE, so you’d think M2503 would too.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Am hoping the same. Would be a good buy if it did.
@Jay
The size of the module makes the watch look bigger in radius. It would be a nice idea to do away with the tactile buttons and use Cap buttons/PCB in the outer radius which is currently unused. It would e handy interface.
Any update on the m009 watch?
Here is a watch based on same soc but without heart rate and not as nice, but a very good price: https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32813678412.html?spm=a2g0n.search-cache.0.0.70bc08b9xMelQF
There is also a watch that has been released of about the same price called gs8 (updated g8 version) with gps and mt2502 II (second generation soc). I wonder what is the difference with the first mt2502 generation?
https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32820996217.html?spm=a2g0n.search-cache.0.0.70bc08b9redqXh
Perhaps you can get your hands on these, JL?
Here is another mt2503 watch https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lbOA6zTQY