Qualcomm had previously hinted at a shift toward RISC-V, but the event mainly focused on wearables, leaving many curious minds at the conference buzzing with unintended anticipation.
This year, Qualcomm took center stage with a spotlight on AI, presenting a vision not only to revolutionize smartphones and PCs but also to achieve a level of interoperability long promised but never quite realized. Even Apple, with its vertical integration advantage, hasn’t managed this feat. If Qualcomm fulfills its promises, OEMs like Lenovo might soon introduce groundbreaking solutions that surpass current offerings, even those from Apple.
Let’s delve into how Qualcomm dominated the stage last week, and we’ll conclude with a look at my Product of the Week, the Solgaard Carry-On Closet suitcase.
Snapdragon 8: The AI Powerhouse for Smartphones
The Snapdragon 8 has ascended as the reigning champion of smartphone solutions, incorporating a CPU, GPU, and a groundbreaking NPU (neural processing unit). Qualcomm not only pledges enhanced efficiency and performance but also aims to embed AI capabilities that were once deemed implausible for PCs, let alone smartphones. When coupled with an array of sensors, this platform is poised to elevate smartphone utility to unprecedented heights.
Qualcomm showcased features that could significantly transform how we use smartphones, making them even more integral to our lives than they are today. Let’s explore some anticipated enhancements that are set to debut in high-end smartphones, eventually becoming widely accessible over the years.
Revolutionizing Exercise with AR:
Paired with AR glasses, Qualcomm demonstrated how smartphones could evolve into comprehensive exercise coaches. Custom training programs, AI-generated avatar trainers, and sensors ensuring air quality and hydration levels could position these smartphones as superior fitness companions, potentially outclassing existing solutions like Peloton at a fraction of the cost.
Transformative Audio Experiences:
Qualcomm exhibited how its Bluetooth and audio technology could revolutionize how we experience live events. Future smartphones, earbuds, or headphones could offer multiple channels and an expanded sound range. This opens the door to translating content into our preferred language through a separate sound stream or AI, enhancing sound quality and allowing users to select and switch between audio sources in public settings. This capability makes events more accessible to diverse audiences.
Introducing Smell Detection:
While smartphones won’t produce scents, Qualcomm hinted at the ability for phones to “smell” freshness. Imagine using your phone to assess the freshness of food in a store or restaurant by detecting off-gassing or particulate matter from decaying items. This feature could empower users to make informed choices, avoiding food poisoning and ensuring the freshness of dishes.
Generative AI Conversations:
Qualcomm showcased the power of generative AI, challenging virtual assistants like Siri. Conversations between users and their phones could yield better results, entertain, or foster deeper connections with AI. Running large language models (LLMs) on the phone, Qualcomm emphasized the game-changing potential, reducing costs, latency, and offering superior performance at a lower price.
Seamless PC/Smartphone Integration:
Qualcomm presented an advanced level of PC/smartphone symbiosis, enabling seamless cursor and file transitions between smartphones, tablets, and PCs. This innovation simplifies platform switching and file migration, utilizing the screens of all three devices to expand screen real estate and facilitate wireless connections. Apple should take note, as Qualcomm’s efforts could surpass its current capabilities.
Snapdragon X Elite:
The introduction of the Snapdragon X Elite processor marked a substantial leap in PC performance coupled with a remarkable reduction in energy consumption. This innovation could pave the way for laptops with multiple days of battery life, outperforming competitors. While PCs with this processor are expected next year, Qualcomm’s promise of increased performance with similar energy consumption poses a formidable challenge even against Apple’s M2 chip.
The year 2024 promises to be fiercely competitive, with AMD and Intel also entering the arena, embracing AI, performance, and significant energy savings in their upcoming products.
