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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.
Microsoft and friends need to explain why always-connected PCs make sense
It's been over a year since Microsoft, Qualcomm and Intel unveiled the Always Connected PC (ACPC) ecosystem at WinHEC 2016. At Computex 2017, we learned about Qualcomm's undertaking to power PCs with its mobile processors and Intel pledged to support eSIM in all its coming radios. The first wave of devices trickling out haven't gained much traction with the public, though. Despite some fairly obvious benefits, like a constant connection to gigabit LTE, long-lasting batteries and thin, fanless designs. Plus, Sprint is offering free data this year with each Snapdragon-powered device.
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.
