Source : Qualcomm
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022, which is currently taking place in Las Vegas, chip-maker Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, announced several important new initiatives.
Amon described Qualcomm’s technology road map, including connectivity & Qualcomm’s Snapdragon premium tier Android smartphones. Snapdragon is a suite of SoC semiconductor products whose central processing units (CPUs) use the ARM architecture.
The new initiatives of Qualcomm will be in the spaces of: ARM PC of the next gen, metaver, wireless fiber, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and VR & AR.
Qualcomm Initiatives
1. Qualcomm Snapdragon in ARM PCs :- While ARM-based devices are primarily mobile devices, Amon described transition to ARM-based PCs as “inevitable.” He announced that Qualcomm is currently partnering with PC makers Acer, Microsoft, Lenovo, HP & Asus to create these new PCs.
2. Augmented & Mixed Reality :- Amon announced that Qualcomm is working with Microsoft to develop custom chips that control AR glasses for use with Metaverse applications. The collaboration includes Microsoft Mesh, which allows a holographic similitude of one user to be projected onto another user’s headset, making it feel-like both users are in the same room.
3. Wireless Fiber :- Amon described how Qualcomm sees itself as a universal, last mile provider that uses both 5G & millimeter wave technologies to enable direct broadband access alongside WiFi. In addition to TV streaming, games will be increasingly be streamed and this will require low latency. Qualcomm can provide record speeds for uplink capabilities.
Currently, Qualcomm is partnering with AT&T to provide direct broadband access that will connect both homes & offices. This will make private networking possible within an office, building or home. In these spaces, all devices will be connected, cloud data will be available to all devices & on-demand computing will be done through the cloud.
4. Automotive :- The largest Qualcomm initiative seems to be in the automotive sector, especially the 21st century vehicles. By inserting Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit chips into vehicles, automakers will be able to remotely update in car systems over life-time of the vehicle.
Amon announced that just as automakers are creating a physical chassis for automobiles, Qualcomm is creating an open, up-gradable, customizable, digital “chassis” that will scale all way from entry-level vehicles to premium cars. In addition to this digital “chassis”, the automatic connectivity of the Snapdragon platform will create a digital cockpit, providing an immersive driving experience that includes infotainment, video, audio & even an in-car ceiling display.
Qualcomm’s systems will enable real-time interaction with the vehicle’s environment, and its in-cabin capabilities will include E-mirror, an aid in blind spot reduction & emergency vehicle approach, signal changing & assisted braking notifications. Amon pointed out that market research shows that more and more digital cockpit capabilities are driving key auto-motive buying decisions.
Amon announced that Qualcomm has partnered with Swedish automaker Volvo, & Qualcomm’s presentation included a video from Volvo Chief Officer of Product Henrik Green. Green announced the inclusion of Qualcomm products in future Volvo cars, including its electric SUV. This will allow hands-free use of Google Assistant & navigation with Google Maps.
In addition to Volvo, Qualcomm is also a partner of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. on an advanced infotainment system & AI. Honda cars with this new system will be available in the second half of 2022.
5. Snapdragon Ride Vision System :- is a platform for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Automaker BMW has selected Qualcomm for its ADAS system and will be available in 2024. Additionally, BMW, Qualcomm is also partnering with Renault SA & Qualcomm’s presentation included a video from Renault CEO, Luca de Meo.
