Qualcomm is making a bold move to expand its footprint in the PC market, challenging the dominance of Intel and AMD with its latest release: the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor. Unveiled at the IFA conference in Berlin, Germany, this new chip is designed to power PCs running Microsoft's Windows operating system, with a particular focus on enabling artificial intelligence (AI) processes while maintaining long battery life.
This launch marks a significant step in Qualcomm's strategy to diversify beyond its traditional stronghold in mobile devices. The company, well-known for providing chips to leading smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, is now eyeing the PC market, which has long been dominated by Intel. As Intel faces mounting challenges, Qualcomm sees an opportunity to capture market share, especially as the demand for AI capabilities in personal computing grows.
The Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor is part of Qualcomm's broader Snapdragon X Series, which was first introduced last year. The series is designed to bring AI capabilities directly onto devices, allowing them to perform complex tasks without needing an internet connection. This feature aligns with the growing trend toward "on-device AI," a concept that Qualcomm has already explored extensively in its smartphone processors.
Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, highlighted the company's ambition during an interview with CNBC. "We are on a journey to diversify and make sure our technology is now expanding into other markets," Amon said, emphasizing that the PC market is evolving rapidly due to the convergence of mobile and desktop technologies and the integration of AI.
Amon pointed out that consumers are increasingly expecting their PCs to deliver the same performance they experience on their smartphones, particularly in terms of battery life and processing power. This shift, combined with the growing importance of AI, creates a unique opportunity for Qualcomm to bring its expertise in low-power, high-efficiency chip design to the PC market.
Analysts agree that Qualcomm's timing is strategic. Neil Shah, a partner at Counterpoint Research, noted that Qualcomm's experience with on-device AI in smartphones gives it an edge in the PC market. "Translating that to the PC form factor was not that difficult," Shah said, adding that Qualcomm's use of Arm architecture, known for its energy efficiency, is key to delivering long battery life on PCs.
The Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor is specifically aimed at making AI-capable PCs more affordable, with devices expected to start at $700. This price point could help Qualcomm gain traction among budget-conscious consumers who still want the benefits of AI-enhanced computing. Major PC manufacturers, including Lenovo, Acer, and Samsung, have already announced plans to incorporate Qualcomm's new chips into their devices, further signaling the potential for widespread adoption.
While Qualcomm's entry into the PC market is gaining momentum, Intel is not sitting idly by. Just a day before Qualcomm's announcement, Intel launched its Core Ultra 200V series of processors, which are also designed to power AI applications on PCs. Intel's chips emphasize power efficiency, a critical factor as device makers look to balance performance with battery life.
Despite the competition, Qualcomm is optimistic about its prospects. Amon mentioned that the initial sales of Microsoft Surface PCs equipped with Snapdragon X Series chips have exceeded expectations. "We see a great opportunity to expand your desktop market from scale," Amon said, hinting at plans to introduce a wider range of AI-focused products in the future, including mini desktops.
