u-blox has launched the UBX-M10150-KB chip and MAX-M10N module, marking the first M10-platform GNSS hardware designed with firmware upgradeability. Both products run the new SPG 5.30 firmware, which introduces Low Energy Accurate Positioning (LEAP) technology that reduces power consumption by up to 50 percent while maintaining superior positioning accuracy. This development represents a significant advancement for battery-powered IoT devices requiring precise location tracking.
The new products are engineered for applications including vehicle, people, and pet tracking, as well as livestock monitoring and wearable devices. With ultra-low power consumption of just 8 mW in continuous tracking mode, these GNSS solutions address the critical need for extended battery life in portable and remote tracking applications. The firmware upgradeability feature provides customers with a future-proof solution, allowing them to benefit from ongoing performance enhancements and new functionality throughout the product lifecycle.
SPG 5.30 firmware introduces several technical improvements beyond power efficiency. LEAP replaces cyclic tracking mode to achieve significant energy savings, including external LNA power cycling. The firmware also supports RTCM corrections input, enabling positioning accuracy down to the sub-meter level. Additional features include data logging and geo-fencing functions, which allow for more autonomous tracking and monitoring directly on the device without constant communication with central servers.
Both products include lifetime access to AssistNow Predictive Orbits and Live Orbits, services that accelerate start-up times and improve positioning performance when using small antennas or operating in weak-signal environments. For developers, the EVK-M102 evaluation kit and u-center 2 software are available to simplify the design-in phase and accelerate product development.
The UBX-M10150-KB and MAX-M10N extend the capabilities of the M10 family beyond previous ROM-based products, offering enhanced flexibility and longevity for IoT applications. The combination of reduced power consumption, improved accuracy, and firmware upgradeability addresses key challenges in the growing location-based services market, where battery life and positioning reliability are critical factors for user adoption and satisfaction.
These products are available as engineering samples currently, with full availability scheduled for later in October 2025. The timing coincides with increasing demand for efficient tracking solutions across multiple industries, including logistics, personal safety, and asset management. The ability to maintain meter-level accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption could accelerate adoption of location-aware technologies in applications where battery constraints previously limited functionality.
