Qualcomm is going to introduce the new Qaudcore Snapdragon processor by the end of 2012, the company CEO has stated. This processor will be designed to run the ARM version of Windows 8, which is expected to release the same time as the full version — sometime in the second half of 2012. With this step, the mobile chipmaker intends to step in to the PC market.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon is currently the most commonly used high-end mobile chip. It’s current version can clock over 2.0GHz and is a dual-core processor. All of this without creating a severe drain on the battery — something that ARM specializes at.
Steve Mollenkopf, CEO of Qualcomm, said that the PC business will come much close to the smartphone segment in this manner. According to him, developers will be better invested if they are developing for the phone. That’s because the current growth is in that sector. Windows 8 will have its own app store where people can buy Metro apps. Windows 8 on ARM will only be running on Metro, unlike Windows 8 on Intel where it can also run legacy apps. So what Mollenkopf seems to be saying is that developers can now develop the same app to be used on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones because they’ll all be running Windows 8.
A lot of experts have commented on how Windows 8 on ARM will be crippled initially by the lack of support for legacy apps. However, most companies working on ARM based devices for Windows 8 aren’t very worried about it and neither is Qualcomm. What these makers are looking at is what the future will hold for the platform. They are not looking to woo those who are already entrenched in the current Windows experience. Instead, they are trying to capture the crowd that would be happy to buy a cheap and affordable Windows 8 PC running on ARM and has access to its own apps. This would be a solution for those looking for a way to bridge the gap between the netbook and the tablet. It will also be welcome by people who think that the iPad is too expensive and the other tablets are not functional enough.
In meantime, Qualcomm’s financial statement shows bullish predictions of growth through 2015. This means the company is pretty confident in whatever it is that they are planning.
