Posts Tagged ‘Sierra Wireless’

Today Garmin passed a mysterious device, known only by the model number 01102436, through the FCC.  Garmin describes the device as a “Connected Personal Navigation Device,” although the company doesn’t actually describe what the device will be connecting to.

According to FCC filings, the 01102436 will rock Sierra Wireless’ Q2687 wireless embedded module.  This component offers quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, along with a 32-bit ARM9 processor running at 104MHz.

Why would a GPS unit need quad-band GSM?  The reliance on a Sierra Wireless module suggests that the 01102436 isn’t a phone.  Instead, the device will likely use its wireless chops to download maps and upload location data, and if the device features a camera, possibly geotag photos.

The Sierra Wireless Q2687 has already been approved for use on AT&T, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the device shows up on US shores soon.  It will be interesting to see what kind of data plan is offered with the 01102436, and how Garmin plans to leverage the device’s wireless capabilities.

The round USB modem from Sierra Wireless, pictured above, passed through the FCC today.  Although it doesn’t look like much, this device provides 4G WiMAX connectivity, along with CDMA/EVDO 850/1900 wireless data support.

According to label pictures, below, this device is known as the Sierra Wireless AirCard 250U.  And with WiMAX and CDMA support we’re guessing that the 250U will be coming to Sprint in the United States.

It appears that the 250U is a USB modem only – no hotspot capabilities are mentioned in FCC filings.  That’s a shame, since Sprint’s speedy 4G network is ideal for sharing with others.

There’s no indication of when the 250U will be released, but we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

I haven’t seen any device with Qualcomm’s MDM8200 processor…until today.  Sierra Wireless’ MC8700 data card passed through the FCC today, and internal pics show a Qualcomm MDM8200 under hood.

The MDM8200 is a HSPA+ processor that promises up to 28 Mbps downstream and 11 Mbps upstream.  That’s a lot of wireless bandwidth to play with.

No word where or when the MC8700 will appear, but I’m guessing it should start to show up in laptops soon.