The Dragonwing Q-6690, a mobile processor from Qualcomm Technologies, is the first of its kind, according to the company, to combine enterprise performance with integrated ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID. The announcement follows the debut of the broader Dragonwing product range, designed for both consumer and business markets, earlier this year.
Qualcomm’s networking, cellular infrastructure, and industrial IoT technologies are all under the Dragonwing brand. By combining hardware and software AI characteristics that serve various commercial applications, the products are designed to deliver intelligence to edge devices.
Designed for Business Devices with Qualcomm Processors
The processor is designed to work seamlessly with various business equipment, including kiosks, point-of-sale systems, and handheld devices.
Qualcomm claims the processor offers a flexible and scalable platform that can be updated over time to meet evolving needs. It supports advanced connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, and ultra-wideband.
Device size and power consumption can be reduced by eliminating the need for separate RFID modules by integrating RFID functionality right into the processor. Security-related applications, such as asset tracking, product authentication, and access control, are also supported by the integration. These applications are particularly pertinent in industrial, logistics, and retail environments.
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Upgrades and Unique Features
Manufacturers can customize the Q-6690’s software-based feature packs to align with their specific operational requirements. These can include items such as peripherals, cameras, multimedia, and processing power. Devices can be upgraded without requiring hardware redesigns because the improvements are distributed via the internet. According to Qualcomm, the strategy may shorten time to market, lower certification requirements, and increase device longevity.
Art Miller, vice president and head of retail at Qualcomm Technologies, said, “We’re especially excited to collaborate with retailers who need platforms that are not just powerful and connected, but also flexible enough to keep up with changing consumer demands—from smart kiosks and mobile devices to real-time inventory analytics and contactless solutions.”
Early Adopters and the Reaction of the Industry
Qualcomm’s new processor will be integrated into devices by multiple hardware manufacturers, such as Zebra, Honeywell, Urovo, HMD Global, Decathlon, and CipherLab. The upcoming months are expected to see the arrival of devices that utilise the platform.
Hervé D’Halluin, head of RFID and traceability at Decathlon, stated, “We have fully incorporated RFID technology throughout our entire value chain since 2004.” “By 2019, we had already applied RAIN RFID tags to all of our products,” he added. The Dragonwing Q-6690 is revolutionary due to its fully integrated RFID and AI capabilities.
“With RAIN technology built into the Dragonwing Q-6690, Qualcomm is enabling retailers and logistics providers to equip every employee with RAIN-enabled devices—unlocking significant gains in productivity and revenue potential, including digital product passports, reuse initiatives, automated checkout, item authentication, asset tracking, and inventory control,” said Aileen Ryan, president and CEO of the RAIN Alliance.
