Snapdragon chips from Qualcomm are set for an uptick in usage, as Microsoft and Qualcomm set the foundation for a new series of devices from PC manufacturers. Driven by the Snapdragon 835 chipset, expect to see new models from HP and Lenovo.
It's the dawn of a new horizon: the 'Always Connected PC' will be a new phrase seen everywhere in PC advertising online, offline, and in-store at computer retailers, as Microsoft and Qualcomm set the stage for a new type of PC.
Manufacturers HP, Lenovo, and Asus are already on board, with speculation that Samsung and Motorola will follow thereafter. To be released in early December, in time for the holiday shopping season, 'Always Connected PCs' are likely to be cheaper than your regular Intel or AMD powered computer, and come in a range of form factors including tablets, laptops, convertibles, and handheld phone/PC devices.
The advantages of the 'Always Connected PC' are:
instant-on
long battery life, up to 7 days
always connected to the internet
Wifi, LTE, and Bluetooth
touch screen
some devices to feature pen and ink
Windows 10 S
WIndows Hello
Moving forward
Moving forward, expect Snapdragon to sharpen its teeth, moving up a gear from the current Snapdragon 835 processor to the newer Snapdragon 845 processor, with even more tightly-integrated circuitry, LTE, Wifi, Bluetooth, sensors, and processing on board.
Expect the motherboards themselves to shrink, along with the die of the processor to be manufactured using a 10 nanometer process, smaller than the current 14 and 17 nanometer designs.
For customers, expect devices to feature all-week battery life, instant-on, and an always-connected data experience.
in early to mid 2018, newer and more versatile devices will become available upon the introduction of the Snapdragon 845 chip. Expect to see refreshed tablets, laptops, 2-in-1s, convertibles, disconnect-ables, and even handheld devices.
Handheld devices
When handheld devices begin to emerge in mid to late 2018, we anticipate that HP will revive its Palm brand, and release a new HP PalmPilot branded device.
Microsoft may also release an xphone, to sit alongside its xbox brand.
Until next time,
Xavier Zymantas
XYZtech
XYZ Media Group