Samsung Electronics has introduced two new ISOCELL image sensors: 1.28-micrometer 12-megapixel ISOCELL Fast 2L9 with Dual Pixel technology, and ultra-small 0.9-microemter 24-megapixel ISOCELL Slim 2X7 with Tetracell technology. Samsung ISOCELL image sensors fall into four categories - Fast, Slim, Bright and Dual - depending on their key attributes, according to the vendor. As market demand for sleeker smartphones with advanced features increases, ISOCELL Fast 2L9 and Slim 2X7 both offer high resolution image sensors in small chip packages, delivering detailed pictures in low-light environments without a camera bump. Samsung ISOCELL Fast 2L9 and ISOCELL Slim 2X7 are new image sensors that fully utilize Samsung's advanced pixel technology, and are highly versatile as they can be placed in both front and rear of a smartphone, according to the company.

Samsung Electronics has announced mass production of the Exynos 7 Dual 727 mobile application processor (AP) designed specifically for wearable devices with 14nm FinFET process technology. Powered by two Cortex-A53 cores, the Exynos 7270 makes full use of the 14nm process, delivering 20% improvement in power efficiency when compared to its predecessor built on 28nm, and thus notably extending the battery life, Samsung said. By integrating Cat.4 LTE 2CA modem, the new AP allows wearables to connect to a cellular service as a stand-alone device. Tethering and data transfer between devices is also possible with its embedded WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, integrated connectivity capabilities support FM radio, and location-based services with GNSS (global navigation satellite system) solutions.

Samsung Electronics has announced it is mass producing an all-in-one advanced system logic chip for the health-oriented wearables market, the Bio-Processor. The Samsung Bio-Processor is specifically designed to allow accelerated development of wearable products for consumers who are increasingly monitoring their health and fitness on a daily basis, the vendor said. By integrating analog front ends (AFE), microcontroller unit (MCU), power management IC, digital signal processor (DSP) and eFlash memory, Samsung's Bio-Processor is able to process the bio-signals it measures without the need of external processing parts. Samsung Bio-Processor will be available in fitness/health devices within the first half of 2016, according to the company.