Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon Chip Supporting Full Windows 10
In a huge announcement made by Qualcomm and Microsoft at WinHEC event in Shenzhen, China yesterday, the two companies are collaborating to enable a full Windows 10 experience on mobile computing devices powered by next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors will be the first ARM-based processors to support full Windows 10, which is definitely massive.
“Qualcomm Snapdragon processors offer one of the world’s most advanced mobile computing features, including Gigabit LTE connectivity, advanced multimedia support, machine learning and superior hardware security features, all while supporting thin, fan-less designs and long battery life,” said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president of Qualcomm Technologies, in a statement. “With full compatibility with the Windows 10 ecosystem, the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform is expected to support mobility to cloud computing and redefine how people will use their compute devices.”
Qualcomm officials said the new processors would provide a PC-like experience, without any impact on performance or security.
“Hardware partners will be able to build a range of new Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 PCs that run x86 Win32 and universal Windows apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office and popular Windows games,” Microsoft announced.
“For the first time ever, our customers will be able to experience the Windows they know with all the apps, peripherals, and enterprise capabilities they require, on a truly mobile, power efficient, always-connected cellular PC.”
Windows 10 PCs powered by Snapdragon processors could be commercially available as early as next year and that they will leverage touch, pen, and Windows Hello. These devices will also support Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and Win32 apps through emulation, providing users with a wide selection of full-featured applications. Windows 10 on ARM will be available for Enterprise and Consumer editions.
“We are excited to bring Windows 10 to the ARM ecosystem with our partner, Qualcomm Technologies,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft, in a statement. “We continue to look for ways to empower our customers to create wherever they are. Bringing Windows 10 to life with a range of thin, light, power-efficient and always-connected devices, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, is the next step in delivering the innovations our customers love — touch, pen, Windows Hello, and more — anytime, anywhere.”
