u-blox introduces the u-blox 8 GPS/GLONASS receiver platform. This new platform complements u-blox's portfolio of GNSS platforms and is targeted for use in power-sensitive devices, while the u-blox M8 platform continues to be used for applications where navigation performance and maximum accuracy are critical. u-blox 8 offers significant improvements over its predecessor, u-blox 7. Tracking sensitivity has increased by 4 dB, now reaching -166 dB. The enhanced odometer function, new geofencing capability, and optimized programmed power-saving modes can halve the power requirements of sports products. The free AssistNow service, available online, offline, or as a standalone service, has been improved to boost GNSS acquisition performance. This also makes the new positioning platform ideal for all battery-powered devices, particularly wearables and sports trackers.
u-blox 8 is backward compatible with u-blox 7 via PIN. It will be available as a chip and as a module in various formats. Customer samples of the u-blox 8 chips and modules will be available in the second quarter of 2016.
