Tag: Snapdragon

Qualcomm and Chunghwa Telecom jointly announced today (October 29th) that, in response to the Ministry of Education's promotion of innovative AI educational applications, they are sponsoring 100 AI PC laptops equipped with Snapdragon X processors (using ASUS's Zenbook A14) and related hardware and software resources to support the Ministry of Education's "Write AI High School Essay Grading Assistance System" in developing its first standalone version that can run offline on AI PCs. This project aims to improve essay grading efficiency and learning outcomes through AI, and accelerate the deployment of on-device AI in the education field. The project's model training and development are handled by Professor Tsai Tsung-Han's team at National Central University, while Professor Tseng Shou-Jen's team at National Chi Nan University is responsible for teacher training. Core objective: Leveraging the advantages of on-device AI to overcome network limitations. In recent years, the Ministry of Education has developed the "Write AI" educational model based on the development of large-scale language models native to Taiwan, aiming to shorten essay grading time and provide real-time feedback. The key to this collaboration lies in deploying the Write AI model to run on AI PCs. Qualcomm and Chunghwa Telecom recognize the advantages of edge AI, including high performance and low latency even offline, as well as enhanced data privacy, security, and cost-effectiveness. Using a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor-powered AI PC, the National Central University team will be able to optimize the Write AI model for on-device inference. This means that even in school environments with unstable network connections or limited resources, teachers and students can smoothly use AI to assist in essay grading and learning. Industry-academia-research collaboration: Qualcomm and Chunghwa Telecom provide resources, university team implements...

The licensing lawsuit between Qualcomm and Arm has finally come to an end. On October 1st, the U.S. District Court formally dismissed Arm's final lawsuit against Qualcomm, ending the dispute that had lasted since 2022 and confirming a "complete victory" for Qualcomm. The lawsuit stemmed from Qualcomm's 2021 acquisition of chipmaker Nuvia and its integration of Nuvia's high-performance CPU technology into its processor designs. Arm subsequently accused Qualcomm and Nuvia of violating their Architecture Licensing Agreement (ALA), arguing that the licensed technology should not automatically become Qualcomm's asset due to the acquisition. However, the court, consistent with the jury's verdict last December, found that Qualcomm did not violate the licensing agreement and confirmed that Nuvia's technology could be legally used under Qualcomm's existing architecture licensing agreement. The court affirmed the "right to innovation." Qualcomm's General Counsel, Ann Chaplin, stated that this ruling represents a "complete and final victory" for Qualcomm and Nuvia in their legal battle, emphasizing that "our rights to innovation are protected in this case," and calling on Arm to return to fair competition and maintain a healthy industry ecosystem. Although Arm subsequently announced it would immediately appeal to overturn the verdict, the industry generally believes that Qualcomm has secured a crucial legal victory, paving the way for future product deployments. Neil Shah, Vice President of Counterpoint Research, pointed out in an interview with Bloomberg News that this victory is strategically significant for Qualcomm, as it allows it to deploy Nuvia's high-performance CPU technology in a wider range of applications, including PCs, smartphones, automobiles, and high-performance computing scenarios such as AI servers and humanoid robots. This also means that Qualcomm can further challenge Intel, AMD, and Apple in the fiercely competitive PC and server markets dominated by x86 and Arm architectures, while gaining a greater advantage in the new AI-driven era. For Arm, this setback not only means losing some control over licensing but also highlights the tension between it and its partners in the chip supply chain. As Arm actively advances its cloud and AI strategies, how to maintain licensing revenue without weakening the innovative momentum of its partners will be a test of its future strategies. In conclusion, the legal battle between Qualcomm and Arm reflects, to some extent, the power struggle within the industry over AI, PCs, and next-generation computing architectures. For Qualcomm, the "unbanning" of Nuvia technology will be a crucial weapon in advancing the Snapdragon X series and server solutions, while for Arm, it must find a balance between maintaining control of its existing ecosystem and preserving partnerships. As the appeals process unfolds, this lawsuit may continue, but Qualcomm currently holds a significant advantage, at least for the time being.

At the Snapdragon Summit 2025 event in Hawaii, Qualcomm focused on its newly launched flagship mobile computing platform, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and the new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite, designed to strengthen its presence in the PC market. The company also elaborated on its vision for future AI applications and explained how it will collaborate with the industry. ▲Qualcomm anticipates AI applications will become a key competitive focus, building a larger-scale, truly integrated AI user experience. Qualcomm's main focus at the event was on mobile computing platforms and a new computing platform designed for the PC market. While not emphasizing wearable technology or smart automotive applications as in the past, the company stressed the importance of connecting all computing platform usage scenarios through wireless communication technology, enabling seamless AI applications across different devices. Qualcomm also emphasized that AI applications will be the future trend, and that AI will become the primary interactive interface in the future. Therefore, Qualcomm spent considerable time in its announcement communicating its new Hexagon NPU design to drive higher AI computing power. It also highlighted how the same generational architecture allows AI applications to seamlessly integrate with mobile devices and PCs, and even continue to be used on more platforms. Furthermore, it aims to enable proxy AI to better meet user needs and provide timely and appropriate assistance, such as intuitively confirming upcoming schedules, providing timely reminders of tasks, or helping to arrange gatherings. ▲ AI applications are one of the key features of this new computing platform. However, simply emphasizing the changes its computing platform can bring is not enough to convince the market. Therefore, during the event, Qualcomm also discussed AI and the changes that proxy AI applications can bring with many industry players. For example, regarding its collaboration with Adobe, Qualcomm stated that it will enable Adobe's creative tools, including Photoshop, to run natively on Windows laptops using Snapdragon X-series PC processors. It will also leverage Adobe's Firefly AI technology to accelerate content creation efficiency and help more people turn their creative ideas into real works. ▲ Qualcomm's collaboration with Adobe makes its creative tools more easily usable natively on Windows on Snapdragon devices, accelerating creative efficiency with AI. In a joint statement with Samsung, this not only reaffirms the close partnership between the two companies in mobile devices but also highlights how Qualcomm technology will help drive Samsung's Galaxy AI and realize its proposed environmentally aware AI applications, allowing AI technology to improve people's lives at all times. Furthermore, through Paage.AI, AnythingLLM, Collov.AI, and even deep collaborations with Microsoft, Qualcomm explains that it can bring AI applications to more life and work scenarios through its computing platform, making AI a more important tool and resource, rather than just a laboratory demonstration project or a fun user experience, but truly assisting in various matters. Continuing to drive a larger market ecosystem requires not only continuing to collaborate with market players to build a larger AI application scenario but also persuading more people to choose and use its products. Firstly, it needs to compete with x86 architecture processor applications in the existing PC market and with Mac models in the face of Apple's complete shift to Arm architecture. Qualcomm has already addressed this through its recently updated, fully autonomous Orion architecture...

At the 2023 Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm unveiled the flagship Snapdragon X Elite processor, which has been gradually integrated into numerous laptop models since the middle of last year. The Snapdragon X processor now enables more lightweight designs suitable for extended use, while also supporting Windows Copilot AI applications. In addition to the Vivobook S15 (S5507) with the Snapdragon X Elite processor launched last year, ASUS has also introduced a new evolution in the Vivobook S series this year: the more affordable Vivobook S14 (S3407). It boasts ample performance from the Snapdragon X processor, a slim and portable design, and the ability to meet most mobile work and daily usage needs. ▲ Hands-on with the ASUS Vivobook S14 powered by the Snapdragon X processor. A brief review of the Snapdragon X processor: Announced earlier this year, the Snapdragon X processor is positioned as a more entry-level option compared to the previously released Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, but it still emphasizes a 45 TOPS NPU computing power. Therefore, Windows laptops using this processor still conform to Microsoft's "Copilot + PC" design, while keeping the price under $600. ▲ Positioned as a more entry-level option, but emphasizing a 45...

Following his keynote address at Computex 2025, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, in an interview, stated that while he couldn't yet share specific details about the announcement of their collaboration with NVIDIA to re-enter the server market with the NVLink Fusion semi-custom AI infrastructure solution, he emphasized that the relevant teams are accelerating development and expect to share more information soon. ▲Qualcomm will continue to expand its AI PC market; the collaboration with NVIDIA will drive greater product design flexibility. Regarding the NVLink Fusion semi-custom AI infrastructure solution, Cristiano Amon stated that this solution offers greater design flexibility and allows Qualcomm to further expand its competitive position in the computing market. He also stressed continued investment in the Oryon custom architecture and, with Qualcomm's DNA, the pursuit of high-performance, low-power computing platform designs to drive its expansion in mobile devices, smart glasses, vehicles, and the Internet of Things, while also continuing to grow its PC market presence. Regarding the PC market development, Cristiano Amon stated that Qualcomm will continue to expand its presence in this market. He also explained that the original plan was to increase the market share of Windows on Snapdragon products to 12% by 2029, but currently, they have already achieved a market share of around 9% in the US and European markets. This demonstrates that the new architecture, coupled with continued deep cooperation with Microsoft, has attracted many users to PCs using Snapdragon X-series processors. However, regarding the development of artificial intelligence technology applications, Cristiano Amon stated that Qualcomm's role will be to assist more AI applications in successfully using its computing platform, thereby creating a new AI PC user experience. ▲Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon maintains cooperation with the Taiwanese industry supply chain, emphasizing that the partnership with Xiaomi remains unchanged. Regarding partnerships and industry supply chain collaborations, Cristiano Amon stressed that Qualcomm has a very deep industry supply chain with Taiwan, and has continued to invest heavily in Taiwan and collaborate with more industry supply chains. Regarding the recent US court ruling that Qualcomm's license was valid and its actions were legitimate, Cristiano Amon reiterated that his instruction set license was completely legal and stated that he would continue to build his processor products using the Arm instruction set architecture. Furthermore, regarding Xiaomi's recent announcement of the launch of its new customized processor "XRING 01," Cristiano...

In his keynote address at Computex 2025, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon explained that at Computex 2024, there were only 22 laptops using Qualcomm PC-grade processors, but this year that number has increased to over 85, covering various computing needs. He also mentioned continued collaboration with Microsoft to expand the software and gaming application ecosystem of Windows on Snapdragon, and how long-developed security technologies will enhance the reliability of Windows on Snapdragon in the commercial sector. ▲ Currently, over 85 devices equipped with Snapdragon X-series processors are expected to be available by the end of this year. Cristiano Amon emphasized that they will continue to work closely with Microsoft to promote the user experience of AI PCs based on Windows on Snapdragon. He also stated that there are currently over 85 Windows on Snapdragon devices on the market or under development, covering different price ranges, and over 100 designs are expected to enter the market next year. ▲Recently, Microsoft, Acer, HP, and Samsung have all launched new laptops using Snapdragon X, Snapdragon X Plus, or Snapdragon X Elite processors. Through its deep collaboration with Microsoft, Qualcomm emphasizes that it not only enables Windows on Snapdragon devices to offer a combination of performance, thinness, and long battery life, but also further expands the software compatibility ecosystem. Currently, over 750 applications can run on the Snapdragon X series computing platform, including 200 frequently used applications. More than 1400 games can also run smoothly on this platform. Furthermore, it was revealed that Epic Games' *Fortnite* will be able to run on Snapdragon X by the end of this year...

Following its recent product launch event in India, Qualcomm announced at its Southeast Asia Summit in Singapore that it will continue to drive the "AI PC" market revolution with its Snapdragon X-series processors. ▲Qualcomm continues to drive the "AI PC" market revolution with its Snapdragon X-series processors. The Southeast Asian market has a high demand for the application of artificial intelligence technology. Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Gaming at Qualcomm Technologies, explained that current artificial intelligence technology is driving demand for PC products and creating entirely new user experiences. The Southeast Asian market has enormous application demand, with cumulative PC shipments exceeding 8 million units last year alone. It is projected that artificial intelligence technology will drive a market value of up to US$1 trillion by 2030. ▲ Qualcomm believes that the Southeast Asian market has a huge demand for artificial intelligence applications. Furthermore, the Southeast Asian market is expected to invest US$650 million in artificial intelligence technology development by 2026, with Singapore ranking among the top three globally in terms of investment. In the past 12 months, the application of artificial intelligence technology in the workplace has generated a return on investment (ROI) of up to 70%, highlighting the significant increase in demand for artificial intelligence technology in the Southeast Asian market. ▲ The Southeast Asian market is expected to invest US$650 million in artificial intelligence technology development by 2026, with Singapore ranking among the top three globally in terms of investment. Looking at the current adoption of artificial intelligence technology in the Southeast Asian market, over 92% of workers in the Asia-Pacific region plan to adopt artificial intelligence technology by 2028. With the assistance of automatically generated artificial intelligence technology, workers in the Asia-Pacific region can save an average of over 11 billion hours of work time per week. In response to this massive demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Qualcomm anticipates that through its deep collaboration with Microsoft, it can leverage Snapdragon X-series processors to deliver AI experiences across various usage scenarios in its "AI PCs"—products utilizing AI technologies such as Snapdragon X series processors. The company emphasizes faster startup, longer battery life, enhanced security, and the integration of Microsoft Copilot and other AI technologies to rewrite the PC user experience. Since officially announcing the launch of its first wave of "AI PCs" using the Snapdragon X Elite processor last year, and further expanding its market presence with more OEMs at Computex 2024, Qualcomm has subsequently launched Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X processors, enabling more "AI PCs" to meet diverse usage needs. ▲Currently, Qualcomm offers Snapdragon X, Snapdragon X... for various application requirements.

Reports indicate that Microsoft plans to launch new Surface devices powered by Arm-based processors this spring, along with a new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. According to Windows Central, the new Arm-based Surface devices will feature 11- to 12-inch screens, targeting Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro as a primary competitor, and will also support stylus input. As for the processor, it will likely be supplied by Qualcomm and will conform to the "Copilot + PC" design, therefore expected to use the Snapdragon X Elite processor, or the more entry-level Snapdragon X Plus, or even a Snapdragon X processor with fewer cores. If all goes as expected, Microsoft may still launch the new Surface series in the second half of this year, expected to feature a new Qualcomm processor.

Microsoft recently released a new testing feature for users participating in the Windows 11 Insider Program, allowing them to use Windows Search in an AI-powered way. This feature, introduced last October, enables devices to use AI to determine the meaning behind user-entered search terms, rather than just the file name. For example, if a user enters "BBQ party," the system can find photos matching that context. Currently, this feature is only available for testing on "Copilot+ PC" devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and will be limited to "Copilot+ PC" devices in the future. Language support is currently limited to English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese, with more languages ​​expected to be added later. The new AI-driven Windows Search will be available in File Explorer, the taskbar search bar, and the search bar within Windows Settings. All searches are performed on the device, allowing for offline use without worrying about search results being uploaded to the cloud. As for the natural language search functionality, it mainly corresponds to Windows settings options and includes searching for files such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS. Currently, search functionality is only supported within the device, but it will later be extended to cloud storage locations such as OneDrive. Regarding privacy and security, that remains to be seen and will depend on Microsoft's adjustments.

Compared to last year's Vivobook S15, which featured a Snapdragon X Elite processor, ASUS updated its Vivobook series at CES 2025 with the Vivobook S14, Vivobook S16, Vivobook 14, Vivobook 16, and Vivobook 18. The newly released Vivobook S14 and Vivobook S16 also feature Snapdragon X-series processors with 45 TOPS NPU computing power, 2.5K resolution IPS displays or Full HD resolution OLED displays, and offer up to 24 hours of multitasking battery life with a 70Wh battery. Other design features include a 1.59cm thickness and a 1.39kg weight for the Vivobook S14 and Vivobook S16, up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, support for Wi-Fi 6E and Dolby Atmos audio technology, two USB-C ports, two USB-A 3.2 ports, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Both the Vivobook S14 and Vivobook S16 are equipped with the new AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors, with the Vivobook S16 also offering additional Intel...