Qualcomm has announced a new Software Development Kit (SDK) specifically designed for use with the Snapdragon MDM9206 IoT modem. With this being an SDK, it is more intended for background usage to fine-tune the MDM9206 modem ahead of its inclusion in a commercial product. Therefore, this will be of note to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers who are currently in the process of developing LTE-enabled IoT options.
While the MDM9206 is a chipset that is already available, it is due to receive some additional support this year. As along with the announcement of the SDK, Qualcomm also today announced the introduction of its Wireless Edge Services. This is a 5G and IoT-related software solution designed for businesses and enterprise-related entities to better help manage the vast number of connected devices due to arrive through the implementation of 5G. While the Wireless Edge Services is expected to cover a wide range of Qualcomm chipsets in due course, it will initially only become available with support for three specific chipsets – one of which will be the MDM9206. Therefore, the arrival of this SDK at this time will be of additional benefit to those looking to implement the use of the MDM9206 in conjunction with Wireless Edge Services. Additional benefits on offer with the new SDK include a wide range of support for various cloud IoT providers at launch, along with the ability to make use of an embedded CPU which should reduce the overall associated costs – due to the omitting of a separate microcontroller.
According to Qualcomm, the SDK will be available to those looking to employ the use of the MDM9206 along with custom software, as well as developers and OEMs who take advantage of the various Qualcomm-provided tools, which in turn are capable of igniting additional MDM9206 features – such as the use of global navigation satellite system (GNSS). While the SDK has now been announced, Qualcomm has yet to confirm when it will be made publicly available, other than stating it is scheduled for arrival within the first half of this year. In the meantime, the SDK will be on show at this year’s MWC event in Barcelona.