Qualcomm, the developer of wireless technologies and data solutions, has today announced a new dual-CPU Snapdragon single-chip solution that is said to extend the reach of the Snapdragon platform by targeting more advanced mobile computing devices.
The QSD8672 chip features two computing cores capable of up to 1.5GHz for greater processing capabilities, in addition to optimized battery life and a full range of 3G mobile broadband and peripheral connectivity capabilities found on all Snapdragon chipsets. Snapdragon-powered mobile computing devices are claimed to combine the best of Smartphones and laptops, delivering advanced computing while enhancing the user experience with the always-on, connected characteristics of mobile handsets. Sampling is scheduled for the second half of 2009.
"This new dual-CPU Snapdragon chip demonstrates our long-term commitment to helping our customers develop a wide variety of innovative, data-centric, mobile computing devices," said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of marketing and product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "With its exceptional computing power and improved energy efficiency, the QSD8672 chip allows us to enable more advanced devices that are essentially always on, always awake and always connected."
The dual-CPU QSD8672 solution, with two highly integrated computing processors running at speeds of up to 1.5GHz, is designed to enable new classes of wirelessly connected computing and pocketable computing devices and deliver significant enhancements to Netbook devices currently on the market. Having two processing cores allows the chip to deliver an enhanced computing experience with more instantaneous response and greater ability to run multiple applications concurrently.
The QSD8672 also will provide these devices with greater functionality, particularly 3G wireless broadband through the Company's industry-leading integrated multi-mode modems including HSPA+ for up to 28 Mbps on the downlink and up to 11 Mbps on the uplink. The chip integrates GPS, Bluetooth, 1080p high-definition video recording and playback and also supports Wi-Fi and mobile TV technologies such as MediaFLO, DVB-H and ISDB-T. The integrated 2D and 3D graphics engines deliver device manufacturers the ability to offer products with display resolutions up to WSXGA (1440 x 900).
According to Qualcomm, mobile computing devices running on the dual-CPU Snapdragon solution can offer displays from 9 to 12 inches in size with a form-factor that is smaller, thinner, lighter and quieter than laptops currently on the market. The devices also take advantage of integrated 3G connectivity and comprehensive peripheral connectivity capabilities, which complement and enable these portable form-factors. Running on Snapdragon chips also allows mobile computing devices to deliver powerful processing capabilities, transparent and reliable connectivity and exceptionally long battery life.