2024 used to be a banner yr for Qualcomm at Computex, with the huge release of its Snapdragon X Elite pc processors hanging it at the leading edge of the development. In truth, Qualcomm’s keynote presentation ultimate yr used to be so spectacular that I declared them the winners of the development, with visitor stars from makes of lots of the very best laptops together with Microsoft, HP, Dell, and Asus showing along Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.
During lately’s keynote at Computex 2025, issues have been somewhat extra subdued. No thrilling chip bulletins right here; as a substitute, Amon were given up on degree and mentioned the (admittedly slightly excellent) development Qualcomm has made with the Snapdragon platform over the last yr. A key issue he pointed to used to be the fast expansion in apps supported at the Snapdragon X Elite platform, along side the now 1,400+ video games which might be playable on Snapdragon laptops.
Much like ultimate yr, Amon showcased Qualcomm’s spectacular pull within the Windows computing marketplace regardless of best getting into the CPU combat with Intel and AMD ultimate yr. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a short lived look within the presentation, along side executives from Asus and HP.
There have been additionally some cheeky jabs at Intel and Apple (the latter relating to the truth that Fortnite is absolutely playable on Snapdragon {hardware}), plus the standard slew of company drivel about how AI is revolutionizing… one thing. Honestly, I more or less tuned out for a little bit there, till Amon fired up a pc survive degree which proceeded to invite him (probably human-curated) questions on Qualcomm’s AI {hardware} in a synthy robotic voice. Pretty cool, I suppose, however what in point of fact stuck my consideration used to be a teaser on the very finish of the keynote presentation.
What’s subsequent for Snapdragon
So, whilst we were given no new chips from Qualcomm at Computex, it looks as if now we have a tacitly introduced date for a higher technology of Snapdragon X systems-on-a-chip (SoCs). It’s September 23: the date of Qualcomm’s personal match, Snapdragon Summit, which can happen in Hawaii.
What precisely are we moving into September? Amon wouldn’t say, best that “the revolution continues” and “I promise you that you will be impressed”. Still, there are some beautiful cheap assumptions that I’m keen to make right here.
While naming conventions are nonetheless a little bit up within the air (since we’re just a unmarried technology into Qualcomm’s Windows pc chips), the present common assumption is that the next-gen SoCs will use the ‘Snapdragon X2’ moniker, so I’ll simply move with that right here. I be expecting the preliminary release to characteristic each X2 Elite and X2 Plus chips for the top class and midrange pc markets, with huge integration around the majority of productiveness pc producers; Dell’s XPS collection, Asus’s Zenbooks, Lenovo’s Yoga line, the works.
A ‘basic’ Snapdragon X2 chip will most likely apply a little bit additional down the road (very similar to how the Snapdragon X chip used to be introduced at CES in January this yr), offering a extra budget-conscious selection. But I’m maximum involved in the rumored 2d-gen Snapdragon X Elite chip for desktops…
A desktop revolution?
Will we get a non-integrated Snapdragon X2 Elite? I wouldn’t slightly guess on that; up to now, we’ve best noticed Snapdragon chips in compact PCs from the likes of Lenovo. So don’t be expecting to peer a 3rd choice past Intel and AMD in relation to motherboards for DIY PCs – however do be expecting extra mini PCs and methods just like the very best all-in-one computer systems.
While ‘Team Q’ (nonetheless workshopping that title, I’m open to tips!) could be a relative newcomer to this actual business enviornment, it’s made a major affect. Cristiano Amon’s keynote incorporated a quite unexpected statistic: as of ultimate quarter, Qualcomm now holds about 9% of the included processor marketplace for the United States and the highest 5 European markets. Considering the fierce festival, it’s a significantly spectacular appearing.
Given how a lot Qualcomm modified the sport with the coming of its first X Elite chips ultimate yr, I believe the usage of the phrase ‘revolution’ would possibly in reality be quite justified right here. I don’t say that calmly; it’s a word that I’m often frustrated to peer used to explain extraordinarily marginal adjustments. But with Qualcomm after all making Windows on Arm paintings with the Snapdragon X collection, I’ve were given top hopes for no matter Team Q does subsequent.
You may also like…
Source hyperlink