Nanadini Roy Choudhury, writer
Brief news
- Qualcomm introduced a new PC processor, the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core, aimed at incorporating artificial intelligence into devices and challenging Intel’s dominance in the PC processor market.
- The processor is expected to provide AI processes with a prolonged battery life and is intended for PCs operating on Microsoft’s Windows operating system.
- Qualcomm’s expansion into PC processors is part of a broader diversification strategy beyond mobile chipsets, with a focus on AI and automotive operations.
Detailed news
On Wednesday, Qualcomm introduced a new PC processor in an effort to leverage the desire of electronics manufacturers to incorporate artificial intelligence into their devices.
Qualcomm is intensifying its endeavors to challenge Intel’s primacy in the PC processor market at a time when the latter is grappling with significant obstacles.
At the IFA conference in Berlin, Germany, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core. The processor, which is intended for PCs that operate on Microsoft’s Windows operating system, is expected to provide AI processes with a prolonged battery life.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series for PCs, which was introduced last year, has been expanded by the most recent processors.
The U.S. chip behemoth announced that the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core is intended for personal computers priced as low as $700, as it seeks to broaden its semiconductor offerings to include a broader range of devices.
Qualcomm has historically developed processors that are integrated into the smartphones of numerous global leaders, such as Samsung. However, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop and Surface Pro tablet, which are equipped with Qualcomm’s X Series processors, have increased the company’s PC initiatives this year. These devices are capable of performing certain AI duties without an internet connection. These are referred to as Copilot+ PCs by Microsoft.
In an interview with CNBC, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated that the company’s expansion into PC processors is part of a broader “diversification” narrative that extends beyond mobile chipsets. The company has also been expanding its automotive operation, with AI serving as a critical component of its strategy.
“We are currently engaged in a process of diversification to ensure that our technology is expanding into additional markets,” Amon stated in a television interview on Wednesday.
He further stated that the PC market is undergoing a “fundamental” transformation as a result of two factors: the convergence of mobile and PC technology, which means that consumers are beginning to anticipate the same level of performance as they do from their smartphones in terms of battery life, and the convergence of artificial intelligence with desktop computers.
Qualcomm’s timing in entering the PC market is crucial, according to analysts. Neil Shah, a partner at Counterpoint Research, identified several converging themes that are advantageous to the organization. He emphasized the movement toward “on-device AI,” in which artificial intelligence applications are executed on a piece of hardware rather than through the internet. Qualcomm has developed processors for handsets that accomplish this.
In contrast, the Snapdragon X Series from Qualcomm is based on the architecture of the British chip designer Arm, which enables the processors to operate complex applications with high energy efficiency. This is essential for extending the battery life of devices.
“Since the AI boom occurred last year, Qualcomm has been at the forefront of low-powered AI device experiences on mobile devices, which has been advantageous for the company.” Shah stated to CNBC.
“Translating that to the PC form factor was not particularly challenging.”
Shah also noted that Qualcomm’s mainstream adoption of PCs has been significantly influenced by Microsoft’s backing, as Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world.
Shah stated, “The stars have aligned for Qualcomm.”
PC hardware roadmap
CEO Amon stated that Qualcomm’s objective in the future is to broaden the reach of its Snapdragon X line of processors, which are AI-focused, to all personal computing devices, including compact PCs.
“It is now time to introduce AI PCs to the general public,” he stated in an interview with CNBC. “From a scale perspective, we perceive a significant opportunity to expand your desktop market.”
“Subsequently, Qualcomm will introduce mini desktops, and we will continue to expand our product line and roadmap until we have the complete selection.”
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series processors have been implemented by numerous significant PC manufacturers. Company’s such as Lenovo have introduced Copilot+ PCs that are powered by Qualcomm processors and the Windows operating system.
Qualcomm’s revenue is currently comprised of only a small proportion of personal computers. However, Shah stated that the quantity of personal computers equipped with Qualcomm processors could increase by 300% this year in comparison to the previous year.
Qualcomm has advanced the development of Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD processors, despite Microsoft’s announcement that they would be introduced at a later date.
Intel responded to Qualcomm’s PC processors on Tuesday by launching its own response. The Intel Core Ultra 200V series of processors is intended to facilitate AI on personal computers, according to the company. They will be accessible this month. In a press release, Intel emphasized the “power efficiency” of the processors, as device manufacturers strive to provide high-performance AI with improved battery life.
Amon stated that Qualcomm will provide an update in November regarding the quantity of Surface PCs that Microsoft has sold that are equipped with processors manufactured by the chip manufacturing company.
“At present, they are surpassing our expectations,” he stated. “Microsoft and Qualcomm are both reporting that their initial sales have surpassed their expectations.” However, we are only at the outset.
Source : CNBC News
