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Qualcomm pushes for cheaper Snapdragon PCs with its 7c and 8c chips
Qualcomm began its effort to make Windows on Snapdragon machines with the Snapdragon 835 chipset. That was first designed to power smartphones, and the company later developed chipsets specifically for PCs, like the Snapdragon 850 and the 8cx. These resulted in laptops like the Surface Pro X and the Galaxy Book S, which are both gorgeous pieces of hardware that cost $999 to start. For PCs that don't run all the Windows apps you might need, that's exorbitant. Qualcomm seems aware, and announced today a couple of new additions to its made-for-PC series. The 8c and 7c are midrange and entry-level processors for the Windows on Snapdragon platform that help the company provide "various price points, allowing partners to design always on, always connected PCs for a wide array of consumers."
Microsoft, Samsung and Qualcomm talk connected PCs in 2019
It's been slightly over a year a year since we saw the first crop of Microsoft's "Always connected PCs." By now, we know why a laptop that's always online is super appealing, and are well aware of the trade-offs. Making better connected notebooks in 2019 requires a team effort across software and hardware makers. They'll need to address challenges in educating the consumer, figuring out how to enable the sale of bite-sized chunks of data, as well as the evergreen desire for faster performance. One our stage at CES 2019, we talked to the following executives from Microsoft, Samsung and Qualcomm about their plans to improve connected computing in 2019, and how 5G will impact it all. Microsoft: Pete Bernard, Principal General Product Manager, Silicon Partnerships Samsung: Shoneel Kolhatkar, Senior Director, Mobile Computing Qualcomm: Don McGuire, Vice President, Global Product Marketing
Qualcomm's new PC processor promises 'extreme' power
It's been a year since we've seen the first devices running Windows on Snapdragon, and Qualcomm is continuing its quest to make a capable ARM-based processor for PCs. On the third of its three-day tech summit in Hawaii today, the company unveiled the Snapdragon 8cx. It's Qualcomm's second made-for-Windows chipset, but one that the company says offers significantly better performance and energy efficiency. So much more, in fact, that the "x" in 8cx stands for "extreme."
HP Envy x2 review: Always-on LTE and an atrocious keyboard
I'll admit it. I'm besotted with the idea of Connected PCs. They're Windows laptops or 2-in-1s that have built-in LTE radios so you can stay online wherever you go. So far, we've only checked out Snapdragon-powered Connected PCs, but now we've finally gotten our hands on an Intel version -- the HP Envy x2. To be clear, HP makes both Snapdragon and Intel versions of this same detachable, but we're looking at the Intel system here.
Samsung Galaxy Book 2 review: A better, but limited Surface rival
Samsung's latest Surface wannabe has a surprising twist. On the outside, the Galaxy Book 2 looks very much like a clone of Microsoft's detachable, thanks to its new kickstand. But Samsung chose to equip the Book 2 with a Snapdragon 850 processor, turning this 2-in-1 into a Windows on ARM device that promises constant connectivity and a long-lasting battery. Add a brilliant display and an included S Pen and you've got a strong Surface Pro alternative. The company's proposition is compelling, but one big question remains: does speedy LTE and a super-long-lasting battery outweigh performance and app compatibility? The answer depends on your needs.
Samsung is making a Snapdragon-powered PC
Samsung is the latest device manufacturer to take a chance on Snapdragon-powered PCs, joining the ranks of HP, ASUS and Lenovo. In addition to its new Snapdragon 850 chipset, Qualcomm announced today that the Galaxy phone maker will be integrating the card "in a future device." Given Samsung already makes Windows-powered convertibles like the Galaxy Book, which are portable enough to meet Microsoft's requirements for the "Always Connected PC" ecosystem, it's entirely possible that the upcoming device is a 2-in-1.
The Snapdragon 850 is Qualcomm's first chip built for Windows PCs
Qualcomm has developed a hobby. It's been building specialized chips for the Internet of Things and VR headsets lately, in addition to its smartphone-focused and wearable products. Today at Computex 2018 in Taiwan, the company unveiled the Snapdragon 850 -- a processor designed specifically for Windows devices. The chip is supposed to drive a new generation of Windows on Snapdragon devices around this holiday season, made by Qualcomm's numerous partners. In fact, Samsung announced today that it will be making a 2-in-1 PC powered by the Snapdragon 850.
Microsoft will bring 64-bit app support to ARM-based PCs in May
One of the biggest limitations of the Windows on Snapdragon platform is its inability to run 64-bit apps. Microsoft has said on multiple occasions that it intends to eventually offer that support, but we've not heard about a firm timeline until now. The company's general manager for Windows Erin Chapple told Engadget today that an SDK for ARM64 apps will be announced at the upcoming Build developer's conference.
ASUS NovaGo review: ‘Always online’ comes with limitations
As the first Snapdragon-powered PC available, the ASUS NovaGo has a lot riding on it. When Qualcomm and Microsoft teamed up to make connected PCs, they promised devices that would remain always on, always online and provide access to the apps you need to work on the go. So far, parts of that puzzle are missing -- like eSIM support from carriers. But that hasn't stopped the first wave of laptops, starting with the $599 NovaGo, from trying to leave their mark. It's meant to deliver the benefits of smartphone-like connectivity and battery life in a laptop, but unfortunately also highlights the limits of an unproven platform.
48 hours with an always on, always online laptop
"So you're the type of woman who takes your work everywhere with you?" my cab driver asked Sunday when I pulled out the ASUS NovaGo and started writing this very intro. Usually, I don't. But in the past few weeks, I've had to work nonstop, and the only hope I had at securing a good night's rest is chipping away at stuff while I'm out and about. That's made a portable, constantly connected and long-lasting laptop absolutely necessary. Microsoft promises just that with its 'always-connected PCs' -- notebooks that offer long-lasting batteries, are constantly connected to the internet and wake up as quickly as a smartphone.
Lenovo Miix 630 hands-on: A solid keyboard and Snapdragon power
Last month, we saw the first Snapdragon-powered PCs from ASUS and HP -- laptops and convertibles that promised 20-hour battery lives, constant connectivity and a full Windows 10 experience. Here at CES 2018, Lenovo unveiled the 12.3-inch Miix 630 detachable, which is its first offering for Microsoft and Qualcomm's platform. At first glance, it's not significantly different from HP's convertible, but closer inspection reveals some key differences.
AMD and Qualcomm join forces to power higher-end connected PCs
Qualcomm may have found a worthy ally in its quest to take on the PC market. After unveiling a new stable of Snapdragon 835-powered "Always Connected" PCs from HP and ASUS, the chip-maker revealed a surprise partner: AMD. The two companies are teaming up to make Always Connected PCs on AMD's "Ryzen" mobile platform while using Snapdragon LTE modems to enable gigabit connection speeds. On gigabit LTE, you could potentially download a feature-length movie over cellular data in less than 30 seconds.
