When I questioned whether Qualcomm was missing the netbook craze the other day it spurred on some heat from Snapdragon supporters. Snapdragon is Qualcomm’s ARM-based processor we’ve been waiting to arrive for eons. At CES I’ve finally seen something of interest regarding Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.
The company was running a Snapdragon-based reference prototype on Google’s Android operating system. Running on a larger WVGA display, the demonstration was meant to highlight Android’s potential in devices other than smartphones, and to display Snapdragon’s always-on connectivity.
Snapdragon is an ARM-based platform, but Qualcomm modified the processors to run at 3 times the normal speed of ARM chips while still maintaining low power consumption. The company says that its power usage is so low that a Snapdragon-based device should be able to maintain a permanent connection to a data network. Snapdragon has a 1.5 Ghz dual-core CPU with integrated HSPA+, and supports 1080p video, mobile TV, GPS, and Wi-Fi.
Snapdragon devices are supposed to arrive sometime in 2009.
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Qualcomm to demonstrate Android operating system on Snapdragon platform at CES 2009
Company Unveils Innovative OS Leveraging Unprecedented Computing and Connectivity of Snapdragon for Mobile Computing
Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, today announced that a demonstration of Google’s Android mobile operating system running on SnapdragonTM mobile computing chipsets will be available for the first time at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2009. The demonstration runs at WVGA resolution which can support larger displays for mobile computing devices. The technology demonstration underscores the tight integration between the innovative Android platform and the unsurpassed combination of computing performance, low power consumption and ubiquitous connectivity capabilities offered by Snapdragon chipsets.
“Qualcomm’s vision for the Snapdragon platform to redefine how people access information is well-aligned with the Android platform’s capabilities,” said Mark Frankel, vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “We are excited to be showcasing Android running on Snapdragon chipsets which highlights some of the advanced functionality that will distinguish this next generation of mobile computing devices.”
Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and is a 2008 FORTUNE 500 company. For more information, please visit www.qualcomm.com
