Why does Apple's UWB chip deserve attention?

Positioning and spatial interaction technologies are becoming more important to consumers and developers every year. One of the most discussed developments in this area has been the introduction of the second-generation ultra-broadband chip in the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 9. These devices open up new horizons for the use of UWB technology, offering improved features and capabilities.

In this article, we will look at why the second-generation UWB chip is of such interest, what prospects it opens up for users and developers, and how it can change the approach to positioning and interacting with devices.


Spatial interaction: a new era of possibilities

Многие пользователи iPhone даже не подозревают, что их устройства уже давно оснащены невероятной функцией, способной определять расстояние и ориентацию до других устройств. Эта «суперспособность» появилась еще в iPhone 11 благодаря первому поколению чипа UWB (U1).

How does it work?

The UWB chip uses radio signals in a wide frequency range (5-9 GHz), which practically merge with background noise. When the device interacts with other compatible devices, the chip measures the time it takes for the signal to reach the object and return back. This allows you to accurately determine the distance between devices – literally at the centimeter level.

Usage examples:

  • AirDrop: Selects the device closest to it.
  • Search for things with AirTag: pinpoint the location of lost keys or wallet.
  • HomePod: Automatically switches the sound when entering a room.

UWB technology has already made the interaction between Apple devices more intuitive and convenient. However, with the advent of the second-generation chip, even more opportunities await us.


Energy efficiency and productivity: advantages of the new generation

The second-generation UWB chip was created based on a 7nm process technology (instead of the 16nm in the previous version). This means that it has become more compact, consumes less energy and provides higher performance.

Why is reducing energy consumption so important?

  1. Durability of devices:
    Devices with UWB, such as AirTag, will be able to work for up to 2-3 years on a single battery, which significantly increases their service life.
  2. Support for continuous interaction:
    Due to the low power consumption, UWB devices can be constantly active, providing smoother interaction without the need for frequent charging.
  3. New usage scenarios:
    The reduced power consumption makes the technology more versatile and suitable for devices with limited resources, such as compact sensors or wearable gadgets.

Range expansion

Apple заявила о 3-кратном увеличении диапазона действия UWB-чипа второго поколения. Это означает, что устройства могут взаимодействовать на больших расстояниях, предоставляя пользователям новые возможности. Например, функция точного поиска в приложении «Локатор» теперь может использоваться для обнаружения друзей или устройств в более широком радиусе.


Indoor positioning: security and privacy

One of the promising applications of the new UWB chip is positioning technology in enclosed spaces. Traditional systems such as GPS do not work in tunnels, buildings, or underground parking lots. This is where ultra-broadband using TDoA Downlink technology (signal arrival time difference) comes to the rescue.

How does it work?

UWB beacons transmit signals to the user's phone. The device receives them and calculates its location based on the difference in the arrival time of the signal from different beacons. At the same time, no data is transmitted from the phone, which ensures a high level of privacy.

Usage examples:

  • Tunnels and underground parking: determining the location of a car in the absence of GPS.
  • Торговые центры — навигация по этажам и поиск нужного магазина.
  • Аэропорты — помощь пассажирам в поиске выхода на посадку или багажа.
  • Музеи — создание интерактивных маршрутов для посетителей.

This approach ensures accurate positioning with minimal risk of data leakage, making it attractive to privacy-conscious users.


Spatial computing and new devices

UWB technology may become a key element of future Apple devices, including Vision Pro. These smart glasses use computer vision to navigate in space, but integrating a UWB chip could significantly reduce power consumption, which is especially important for wearable devices.

The prospects:

  • Compact devices: Energy saving allows you to create lighter and more convenient smart glasses.
  • Ecosystem Integration: UWB can interact with other devices, creating a more connected user experience.

New UWB Usage Scenarios

1. Access control and contactless authentication

Using UWB, you can completely dispense with keys and access cards. For example:

  • Entering the hotel room without a key: the door recognizes the device and opens automatically.
  • Workplace access: Devices with UWB identify an employee and provide access to computers or equipment.

2. Determining the movement and orientation of objects

UWB allows devices to analyze reflected signals to determine the movement and shape of objects. This could find applications in robotics, security, and even sports analytics.

3. Device synchronization

Accurate distance and orientation data allows devices to interact with each other on a new level. For example, speakers and headphones can automatically switch between each other depending on the distance to the user.


Finally

The ultra-broadband UWB technology embedded in Apple's second-generation chip opens a new chapter in spatial interaction. Higher performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced positioning capabilities make this technology key to the future of smart devices.

From precise indoor positioning to contactless authentication, UWB is already changing our understanding of how modern technology should work. And with further development, we will no doubt see even more amazing possibilities of this technology.

Indoors Navigation continues to follow the development of UWB technologies in order to use them in its products and provide customers with the most innovative navigation and positioning solutions.

Technology application UWB For navigation, you can explore the Indoors Navigation website.

Navigation when buying Christmas gifts

A visit to the theater is always a celebration of art and culture. However, in large and modern theaters, New Year's holidays are a time of joy, waiting for miracles and, of course, buying gifts. However, for many, shopping during the pre-holiday period becomes a real challenge. A lot of people, long queues, the difficulty of finding the right shops and even your own car in a crowded parking lot – all this can spoil the mood.

Modern navigation systems in shopping malls are a solution that makes holiday shopping comfortable, fast and enjoyable for both visitors and employees. In this article, we will tell you what opportunities modern navigation technologies offer, why they are necessary, and how they help the administration and customers during the peak Christmas shopping season.

Why is shopping mall navigation especially relevant before the New Year?

New Year's Eve is the time when shopping malls are at their maximum capacity. Visitors rush to finish all their chores, buy gifts for family and friends, and prepare for the holiday. Such activity creates certain difficulties:

  1. Crowded shopping malls.
    The flow of people is increasing significantly, and navigating complex spaces is becoming difficult even for regular customers.
  2. Search for the right stores.
    In the New Year's rush, visitors want to quickly find a specific store or product. There is simply no time to wander through the floors in search of the right boutique.
  3. Parking congestion.
    During the period of increased influx of visitors, the parking lots of shopping malls are crowded, and finding a car on the way back turns into a separate quest.
  4. Queues and loss of time.
    Without well-thought-out navigation, people spend more time searching, which causes stress and makes shopping tedious.

Modern navigation systems eliminate these problems, providing comfort and convenience at every stage – from entering the shopping center to returning to the car in the parking lot.

Modern navigation solutions: types and advantages

Modern technologies offer many solutions that make moving around shopping malls intuitive and convenient.

1. Interactive maps

Interactive mall maps are one of the most popular tools. They are available through mobile apps or information boards located at key points of the shopping center.

How do they work?

  • The user enters the name of the store, product or service category.
  • The map displays the user's current position and the route to the destination.
  • The route is updated in real time, taking into account possible obstacles or crowded areas.

Advantages.

  • Save time on searches.
  • Intuitive interface, understandable to any user.
  • The ability to find the nearest points of interest: toilets, cafes, recreation areas.

2. Navigation through product and service categories

Modern systems allow you to search not only for stores, but also for specific product categories. For example, a visitor may enter a query «Подарки для детей» or «Ювелирные украшения», and the system will suggest stores where such products are presented.

Advantages!

  • Quick access to the necessary information without having to search for a specific store.
  • Convenience for those who are not familiar with the range of shopping centers.

3. Parking navigation

Shopping mall parking lots are often crowded during the New Year period. Modern systems help to solve this problem on two levels:

  1. Search for available seats.
    At the entrance to the parking lot, the system shows the available zones, taking into account the workload, and also guides the driver to the nearest available place.
  2. Search for a car.
    The system records the location of the car when parking, and then helps the visitor to quickly find the car through a mobile application or an infomat.

4. Voice prompts

For those who prefer voice commands, navigation systems can offer a voice interface. The user asks a question, for example: «Где находится магазин игрушек?» or «Как добраться до зоны фудкорта?», and the system instantly provides audio stories.

5. Push notifications and promotions

Navigation apps can notify visitors about discounts, promotions, and special offers in stores. This not only makes shopping profitable, but also helps outlets attract more customers.

How does navigation help visitors?

Modern navigation systems solve many problems faced by visitors to shopping malls.:

  1. Saving time.
    Navigation allows you to quickly find the right store or service, avoiding wandering through the floors.
  2. Convenience of movement.
    Interactive maps and voice prompts make movement simple and intuitive, even if the visitor is in the mall for the first time.
  3. Stress reduction.
    The ability to quickly find the right product, cafe or car in the parking lot makes shopping more comfortable.
  4. Accessibility for everyone.
    Navigation systems take into account the needs of people with disabilities by offering routes with elevators and ramps.

How does navigation help visitors?

Modern navigation systems solve many problems faced by visitors to shopping malls.:

  1. Saving time.
    Navigation allows you to quickly find the right store or service, avoiding wandering through the floors.
  2. Convenience of movement.
    Interactive maps and voice prompts make movement simple and intuitive, even if the visitor is in the mall for the first time.
  3. Stress reduction.
    The ability to quickly find the right product, cafe or car in the parking lot makes shopping more comfortable.
  4. Accessibility for everyone.
    Navigation systems take into account the needs of people with disabilities by offering routes with elevators and ramps.

How does navigation help the mall administration?

For mall managers, modern navigation systems are a tool that improves performance and enhances customer service.

  1. Managing the flow of people.
    Navigation helps to distribute visitors evenly, avoiding crowds in one area.
  2. Increased satisfaction.
    Simple and intuitive navigation improves the customer experience, increasing their loyalty.
  3. Reducing the burden on staff.
    The systems automate many processes, allowing you to reduce the number of questions to employees.
  4. Data collection and analytics.
    Navigation systems collect data on the movements of visitors, which helps to analyze the popularity of zones and optimize the location of stores and services.

Conclusion

Modern navigation systems are an integral part of comfortable and successful shopping, especially during the New Year period, when shopping malls are crowded. They make the gift-buying process convenient for visitors, simplify the work of employees, and help the administration improve service and management.

With Indoors Navigation, your mall will become a place you want to return to again and again, even on the busiest days of the year.

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