TL;DR:
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has launched the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ Q-6690, the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID capabilities.
- The new chip combines integrated RFID with AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and ultra-wideband to enable smarter, proximity-aware devices for retail, commercial, and industrial sectors.
- This integration eliminates the need for bulky external RFID reader modules, leading to smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective device designs.
- Leading OEMs, including Zebra, Honeywell, Urovo, HMD Secure, and CipherLab, are already adopting the platform, with commercial devices expected to be available in the coming months.
- The processor also features software-configurable “feature packs” that allow for over-the-air upgrades, extending product lifecycles and accelerating time-to-market.
Qualcomm Redefines Enterprise Mobility and Digital Transformation
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced a groundbreaking innovation for the enterprise sector: the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ Q-6690. This new processor is the first of its kind to feature fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities, combining essential technologies into a single, scalable platform.
“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” said Art Miller, vice president and head of retail, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations.”
A New Era of Proximity-Aware Devices
By integrating RFID directly into the processor, the Dragonwing Q-6690 eliminates the need for separate, bulky reader modules. This allows OEMs and ODMs to design smaller, more efficient devices such as ruggedized handhelds, retail point-of-sale systems, and smart kiosks. This simplified design and reduced bill of materials are key to enabling widespread adoption of RFID for applications like real-time inventory management, asset tracking, and contactless experiences.
The processor’s capabilities are further enhanced by a suite of cutting-edge connectivity options, including built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband. These features support seamless global connectivity and enable sophisticated proximity-aware interactions that were previously difficult to achieve.
Flexible and Future-Ready
A key innovation of the Dragonwing Q-6690 is its support for “software-configurable feature packs.” This modular approach allows manufacturers to customize device features for specific use cases and, crucially, to upgrade them over-the-air as business needs evolve—all without the need for hardware redesigns. This not only speeds up development and deployment but also significantly extends the lifespan of the devices.
Industry leaders are already embracing this new platform. Decathlon, EssilorLuxottica, and the RAIN Alliance have all voiced their support, highlighting the processor’s potential to revolutionize everything from in-store customer experiences and supply chain efficiency to product traceability and circularity.
Commercial devices powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ Q-6690 from leading OEMs like Zebra, Honeywell, and HMD Secure are expected to become available in the coming months.