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Snapdragon 7c Gen 2

Qualcomm launched Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 for Entry-Level Windows 10 Laptops and Chromebooks.

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Every one of us deserves a laptop that is as connected as our smartphones. Users want greater mobility, superior performance, and the ability to work from anywhere, and the past year has only accelerated this trend. On Monday, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform as the company’s next-generation system-on-chip (SoC) for always-on, always-connected entry-level Windows PCs and Chromebooks.

Introducing Snapdragon 7c Gen 2

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform provides an always-on experience with the performance and battery life you demand. It requires the advanced and efficient technologies that Qualcomm Technologies has put in smartphones for years to be brought into your PC. The new Snapdragon platform is positioned as the successor to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c, which was unveiled in 2019. The two platforms share many similarities.

Laptops with Qualcomm processors have existed in the past, but they have not been widely adopted by consumers. While those laptops have long battery lives and constant connectivity, they haven’t been able to match the performance of Intel and AMD processors. Another major issue with Qualcomm chips is compatibility (most Windows applications are designed to run on x86 or x64 systems), though things have improved with Windows on ARM.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
Image Source: qualcomm.com

Qualcomm claims that the processor will change that perception and allow Qualcomm to compete with Intel in the entry-level laptop market. When it comes to the PC market, Intel remains the undisputed leader. Qualcomm said in a press release that the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 will be commercially available this summer. The chipset will work with devices running both Windows 10 and Chrome OS.

Battery Life and Performance

Fast, responsive performance combined with long-lasting battery life in a thin, cool, and quiet PC. Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platforms outperform competitors by up to 10% in terms of system performance. Up to 19+ hours of continuous use on a single charge is up to twice the battery life of most entry-level laptops.

Always-on, Always-connected

The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platforms include a Snapdragon X15 4G LTE modem. This allows your laptop to switch between trusted Wi-Fi and cellular networks automatically and seamlessly, allowing you to stay securely connected virtually anywhere. Your laptop will always be up to date and ready to go when you are, thanks to connected standby and instant-on capabilities.

Advanced Audio and Video

Because of the accelerated digital transition, we are all connecting remotely more frequently for work, learning, and catching up with friends and family. Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platforms include an integrated Qualcomm SpectraTM ISP (image signal processor) for crisp, high-quality video and Qualcomm AqsticTM Audio technology for clear audio during video conferencing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

With the fifth-generation Qualcomm Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engine, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 can perform over 5 trillion operations per second (TOPS). AI acceleration is increasingly enabling modern experiences and security applications. On-device security can be accelerated, voice recognition improved, and computational photography used for background effects or gaze correction. Dedicated on-device AI can make these experiences a reality more quickly and efficiently.

Security at the Enterprise Level

The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform includes modern security features designed to protect you and your data from the chip to the cloud. A layered secure boot with multiple verifications helps ensure your device starts safely and securely from the moment you press the power button. LTE connectivity improves Wi-Fi by allowing security applications and operating systems to stay up to date against “zero-day” threats, as well as making enterprise and education laptops more visible and manageable.

Qualcomm also introduced a new Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows 10 PCs, in addition to the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. It was created in collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate app development for Windows 10 devices powered by Snapdragon compute platforms. The developer kit is said to be optimized for solutions such as Zoom, providing users with an alternative to low-cost Intel Atom-powered laptops. This summer, the Snapdragon Developer Kit will be commercially available on the Microsoft Store.

Snapdragon 778 5G

Qualcomm revealed Snapdragon 778 5G Mobile Platform during the Annual 5G Summit.

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The new 5G Mobile Platform, that is, the Qualcomm powered Snapdragon 778 is designed by the company with cutting-edge technology and better implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Qualcomm has announced the new platform for the next generation of high-tier mobile phones from Honor, Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi, Realme, and IQOO. The new Snapdragon 778 5G claims to enhance the gaming experience and also video and imaging with better AI.

The demand for OEMs for more platforms is increasing at a global rate, especially for high-tier smartphones. Qualcomm designed the new 5G mobile platform to address this problem as it brings many latest premium technologies and a wide range of features for a better experience in the future. The demand for quality tech has accelerated especially during the pandemic so the companies are trying to design better products that will be highly efficient in terms of performance and provide a top-notch entertainment experience as well. So, let’s have a look at all the new features and tech of the Snapdragon 778 5G Mobile Platform.

Snapdragon 778 5G Features

The new Snapdragon 778 5G Mobile Platform is featuring a Triple ISP which will allow the user to capture three photos or videos simultaneously. The options included in this shooting type are wide-angle, ultra-wide, and zoom along with the option of shooting from three different lenses all at once. So, when the user is capturing or recording the same subject from three different aspects, the camera system automatically merges these shots to finally produce a professional photography-like result. The videos can be also captured in 4K HDR10+ which is hard to differentiate if recorded in a mobile phone or a DSLR camera. The Snapdragon 778G also has Staggered HDR image sensors which allows one to capture computational HDR videos with improved detailing.

Snapdragon 778 5G
Image Source: qualcomm.com

6th Generation Qualcomm AI Engine

With every new platform released in the market, there is always improved technology behind it and one of the main reasons is more efficient AI-based applications. The Snapdragon 778G is featuring the latest 6th generation Qualcomm AI Engine with the Qualcomm Hexagon 770 processor. This assures high-performance delivery of up to 12 TOPs and twice the performance. The performance per watt has also increased as compared to its predecessor.

The capability of AI has been heightened as it will use AI-based noise suppression, AI-based camera, etc for a video call, zoom meeting, and even a voice call. The Snapdragon 778G also has the 2nd generation Qualcomm Sensing Hub which integrated a low power consuming AI processor for contextual awareness use cases. Honor has collaborated with Qualcomm as the brand new HONOR 50 series will be powered by Snapdragon 778G and this will set new industry standards for Honor.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

The new gaming features are one of the main attractions of the Snapdragon 778G. The platform is delivering select Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming features along with Variable Rate Shading (VRS) and Qualcomm Game Quick Touch. These are the features that have been unlocked in the 7-series. Users are looking for better gaming experience be it smartphones, laptops, or gaming consoles. The VRS feature which is enabled by the Qualcomm Adreno 642L GPU allows the user (developer) to specify and group the pixels being shaded with different game scenes. This helps in reducing the workload of GPU which leads to power saving by a huge amount while maintaining the highest visual fidelity. Along with this, the Qualcomm Game Quick Touch allows 20% faster input response which is also an advantage for a gamer.

Connectivity and Performance

Snapdragon 778G comes with the integrated Snapdragon X53 5G Modem-RF System which will deliver mmWave and sub-6 5G capabilities to more users around the globe. This new mobile platform is featuring Qualcomm FastConnect 6700 Connectivity and also supports multi-gigabit class Wi-Fi 6 speeds (up to 2.9 Gbps) with 4k QAM and access to 160MHz channels in both the 5GHz and 6GHz bands. It will support Bluetooth 5.2, lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6/6E, and 5G. The Qualcomm Kryo 670 is designed to generate up to 40% uplift in overall CPU performance and the Adreno 642L GPU will deliver up to 40% faster graphics rendering compared to the previous generations.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound

Qualcomm launched Snapdragon Sound promising better quality and connectivity

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Qualcomm launches Snapdragon Sound as a new suite that can be connected to smartphones and well as wireless headphones and earphones. The first announcement regarding this suite for audio products was announced last year during the Qualcomm Summit in December. The Snapdragon Sounds claim to have improved interoperability between Qualcomm Snapdragon fueled smartphones and also with audio products such as headphones and earphones (Gadgets 360).

The new product suite by Qualcomm has promised better audio quality and efficient connectivity for its users. Apart from these two major improvements, it has also embedded additional features like active noise cancellation (ANC) and voice communication software. To enable and use the Snapdragon Sound, both source device and outfit should be supporting the particular technology.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound

This new suite is expected to roll out in the market within the next few weeks. The Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound can be enabled on smartphones powered by Snapdragon 888 which is going to roll out this year. This new product is targeting the electronics manufacturer who originally built smartphone and audio products. The Snapdragon Sound will be provided as a one-step solution for product makers working in ANC, Bluetooth, chipset, and other connectivity technologies.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound
Image Source: anandtech.com

If a user is using a compatible audio product along with supporting a smartphone such as one with Snapdragon 888, this will allow the activation of the entire audio suite experiencing every feature included in Snapdragon Sound. Some of the features of this new audio suite are ANC, Qualcomm FastConnect, aptX Bluetooth codec, etc.

Other companies working for Snapdragon Sound

Qualcomm worked with two other companies for developing the Snapdragon Sound, namely, Xiaomi and Audio Technica (Japanese headphone maker). The new audio suite will be embedded on some of the company’s new products which will broaden the scope for compatibility and attract more audiences. The users will understand that Snapdragon Sound has been enabled and it is operational when they will receive a new pop-up logo on the connected device. The Snapdragon Sound can be connected even in speakers but both the source and output device should support the technology.

The main technologies that are expected to make the Snapdragon Sound exceptional with enhanced audio quality and connectivity are Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 and the Snapdragon 8-series chipset range. The former technology will enable faster and stable Bluetooth connectivity. There is also Qualcomm active noise cancellation technology which will make the experience more real and authentic. The aptX adaptive codec will be used for high-quality audio transmission over Bluetooth and there will be an amplifier package and Qualcomm Aqstic DAC(Gadgets 360). 

Since Qualcomm has announced the rollout officially, the product makers can now license the entire audio suite for their new products. The company is also working with Amazon Music HD in order to certify the listening experience and reach out to more people. They want to convey all the purposes that will be provided by the new Snapdragon Sound.

Features of Snapdragon Sound

Snapdragon Sound is ensuring the best audio experience bringing the Qualcomm technologies altogether. The new Snapdragon Sound will provide the best audio paired with excellent connectivity and delivering high-resolution music. Using Snapdragon Sound, the voice calls will be clearer and it will ensure a lag-free gaming experience. The audio suite also ensures extended battery life. You can check out the official website of Snapdragon Sound to get a demo of what your music will sound like.

The Snapdragon Sound is compatible with both smartphones as well as wireless earbuds to headphones. This is the kind of technology aspired by every gamer and those attending business calls 24/7 across the globe. If you don’t choose to connect to earphones or headphones, Snapdragon Sound will play the music extra loud from your phone’s speaker using Aqstic technology. This will not damage the phone speakers.

The audio quality will be uncompressed 24-bit 96 kHz. For Bluetooth connectivity, the audio will be compressed and delivered in quality up to 16-bit 44kHz. Snapdragon Sound uses the aptX voice technology to make calls clearer by improving the sound quality. The background noises will be minimized which has a huge advantage of receiving calls no matter where you are.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon 678 Processor for Mid-Range Devices

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Apple Inc recently announced that it was in the process of developing its chipsets for Apple devices. With the American tech giant on its way to usurping Qualcomm as the largest chipset manufacturer in the world, Qualcomm has come back with a new processor of its own. The company just announced and launched its newest Snapdragon 678 processor. The processor uses the 11nm process, and the company believes that the chip will be an even larger success than the Snapdragon 675. Read on to learn more about the Snapdragon 678, its features and what this means for the smartphone industry.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 Faster, and Reliable

When compared to the hugely popular Snapdragon 675, the 678 offers several prominent performance upgrades. It allows for complicated and advanced photo and video capture and enables high-speed connections. Additionally, the chipset can also revolutionize the art of gaming by enabling immersive entertainment experiences. If that wasn’t all, the chip also supports longer-lasting battery life and more reliable connections. The Kyro 460 CPU powers the chipset, allowing it to clock speeds as high as 2.2 GHz. 

Similar to the 675, the new chip also comes with an Adreno 612 GPU, allowing it to support dynamic videography and photographic capabilities. The new processor comes equipped with Qualcomm’s Spectra 250L ISP technology, enabling the capture of images at share-worthy detail and colour. The processor supports cameras up to 48MP on the back and 16MP dual ones on the front. Additionally, the processor’s capabilities also back video recording at 4K, along with other features such as slow-mo, portrait mode, and five-time optical zoom.

Qualcomm
Image Source: 9to5google.com

Other Features

  1. The Snapdragon 678 supports faster graphics rendering, drops fewer frames and can capture sharp visuals at very high framerates.
  2. Most of these features are a result of the combination of both the Kryo 460 CPU cores and Adreno 612 GPU. 
  3. Qualcomm has also worked on the processors used by top game engines, such as Unreal Engine 4, Messiah, Unity and NeoX.
  4. Along with the process comes the Snapdragon X12 LTE modem, which supports download speeds as high as 600Mbps. The modem is also good enough to power upload speeds as high as 150Mbps. 
  5. Additionally, Qualcomm’s newest modem integrates well with all major cellular modes and also supports Licensed Assisted Access.
  6. The modem’s engineering allows it to power fast connections even in areas that are congested and busy.
  7. The Snapdragon 678 SoC is an upgrade on the 675 that powers mid-range phones such as the Redmi Note 7 Pro and Vivo U20. With the new chipset, Qualcomm aims to recapture the market it lost to the Helio G chips made by MediaTek in 2020.

Changes and Upgrades

Since the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 also relies on the ARM Cortex-A76 and A-55 cores much like the 675, experts believe that the processor would have the same IPC rate. Hence, there might not be a massive jump in overall performance when compared to the 675. However, the newer processor does offer users more space and smoothness in operations. Both chips use the 11nm process, but the 678 features a 2.2GHz Kryo CPU whereas the 675 features a 2.0 GHz CPU. Hence, users can expect a smoother interface and better speeds while using apps. However, both chips utilise the same ISP and Modem, and both feature Quick Charge 4+ capabilities. The Spectra ISP enables the 678 to support Multi-Frame Noise Reduction features on its 48MP camera.  It also powers Zero Shutter Lag on either a single 25MP camera or split between two 16MP cameras.

The processor can capture 4K video at 1080p at 30FPS. Additionally, it also supports the HEVC format and can take videos at slow-motion mode at 120 FPS. The maximum resolution supported will be 2520×1080, with a 10-bit depth of colour. While smartphones in the range the chipset wishes to target seldom comes with 10-bit displays, it is comforting to know that the processor supports such a feature.

The Snapdragon 678 also supports Qualcomm’s 3rd-gen AI Engine with the help of the Hexagon 685 DSP. Hence, it is safe to say that the 678 will create small ripples in the mid-range category in 2021, if not massive shockwaves. Primarily, the new chip might help Qualcomm gain the consumers it lost to MediaTek this year.

Apple

Apple Faces Stern Chip Challenge in Replacing Qualcomm Modems

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Apple Inc is one of the world’s largest technology companies with investments in various sectors and fields. Recently, the company made a foray into the world of semiconductors and chipsets. The switch has helped make Apple a powerhouse within the semiconductor industry in the past decade or so. The move impacted several major manufacturers who earlier used to supply chips to the American tech-giant. However, the iPhone maker will soon face their sternest test in the coming years. The biggest and toughest challenge that Apple will face will be Qualcomm. In this article, we will take a look at what Apple needs to do to replace Qualcomm’s cellular modems with its unique design.

Can Apple Succeed?

On Friday, Qualcomm slumped to its steepest decline since mid-June when it fell by over 7% to $144.28. Bloomberg was the first to report in June that Apple was entering the modem industry by kicking off development on its unique design. However, this reaction severely undermines the challenges that Apple will have to face to make it in this industry. According to analysts and experts, Apple will b confronted by the primary task of replacing Qualcomm in the coming years. Many also questioned whether the California-based tech giant had bitten off more than what it could chew. With doubts swirling around the industry, Apple will have to come back strong with a design that is both unique and highly functional.

Apple

Questions Raised

A representative of Raymond James, Chris Caso mentioned that the most significant questions that experts have are when and if Apple will be successful. Many experts believe that there are no assurances that Apple will be highly successful in developing a high-end and cutting-edge modem. However, modems are one of the most vital elements that make up an iPhone. It is the part that is responsible for connecting the phone to various cellular networks. Without this device, people could no longer browse the internet, message their friends over the internet, or make phone calls. Hence, ensuring that this component works smoothly and seamlessly is vital to ensuring the mobile in itself is successful. However, designing and crafting a modem requires specialized engineering and critical and broad industry knowledge and know-how. Both of these might take significant time to acquire, which Apple does not possess.

Other options and issues

Meanwhile, wireless carriers work differently as the networks built to support them use distinct radio frequencies. But, in that case, the equipment required to capture these waves are also very different and must conform to various stringent local government rules. As a result, modems have to integrate seamlessly with different technologies and fit into older systems as well with ease. The ever-growing need for cellular data and technical prowess makes this divide and the need for complexity even more considerable. Hence, field testing will be an integral part of the research and development process. 

What Qualcomm Does Right

To facilitate such testing, Qualcomm has labs that work towards replicating the varying environments that mobile phones will face. These labs accurately predict and run scenarios that phones will experience around the world. Additionally, engineers spent decades working with various carriers to fine-tune their technology and integrate it seamlessly over the years. It is this experience and knowledge that has helped Qualcomm rule the semiconductor and modem industry all this time. It is also precisely these qualities that served as a barrier to other tech companies that wished to work their way into the lucrative semiconductor industry.

Expert Opinion

Analysts at Bernstein Research mentioned that while Apple has a history of immaculate expertise in semiconductor design. However, even with all that expertise, modems are very challenging to design and get right. The company took around five to ten years to come up with a sustainable and viable processor for the personal computer system. Experts believe that modems pose an even more significant challenge than PC processors, making this a difficult journey for the American giant.

Also, Qualcomm enjoys another vital advantage when compared to Apple. It regularly collaborates with players in the wireless industry and helps in the development of cellular standards. As a result, most of their chips are the first to market when it comes to functionality and features. This has been one of the things that have helped Qualcomm maintain its lead over its competitors.

However, it is foolish to write Apple off since it has in the past taken on influential industry players and won. The company started designing PC processors to displace Intel from being used in Macs. Since 2010, Apple has been using its own processors in the iPhone and iPad. The company has also been successful in developing wireless and power-management chips for the Apple Watch. While the challenge might be harder this time around, users will have to wait and see if it can meet this stern challenge.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm Reveals Details Regarding Faster and More Powerful Snapdragon 888

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Snapdragon, as a part of its annual Tech Summit Digital 2020 introduced its flagship 888 5G platform for mobile phones. As per reports, this chipset will serve as the benchmark for most flagship phones to hit the market next year. The new platform contains key industry-leading innovations in the fields of 5G, gaming, camera, and artificial intelligence. The Snapdragon 888 has the power to transform mobile devices into gaming rigs of exceptional quality. Additionally, the new chipset can convert phones into high-quality cameras and capable personal assistant. Let us now take an in-depth look at the new chipset and what features it will bring to the world of smartphones.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

The Snapdragon 888 provides advanced 5G capabilities and connectivity, which will allow it to redefine mobile experiences for users. As a result, the chipset will usher in a new dawn of console-quality gaming, enterprise mobility, and telephony.  Senior VP of Mobile and Infrastructure for Qualcomm Technologies, Alex Katouzian said that this new chipset is yet another breakthrough technology. Qualcomm has a long history of providing such historic breakthroughs in the field of premium-tier mobile phones. The new chipset will allow manufacturers to differentiate their products and bring to life cutting-edge mobile technologies.

Key Features of the Snapdragon 888

Qualcomm
Image Source: qualcomm.com

Connectivity: Features the world’s most advanced 5G platform that supports both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth audio. It also features the Snapdragon 3rd Gen X60 Modem-RF System that extends support for 5G-enabled sub-6 carrier aggregation. This will help make the system capable of delivering the world’s fastest 5G speeds, up to a maximum of 7.5 Gbps.  The system also enables superior coverage as it uses a Dynamic Spectrum Sharing technology. The chip also supports Global 5G multi-SIM, enabling international roaming, and allows users to manage multiple numbers on the same phone.

Additionally, the system also allows users to optimize their different monthly plans and receive the best services at the most affordable costs. The chip also supports the world’s fastest Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3.6 Gbps as it runs on the FastConnect 6900 Connectivity System. This feature also supports Bluetooth 5.2, the Qualcomm aptX suite, and unique modulation and coding features.

Artificial Intelligence: Snapdragon 888 has a unique 6th Gen AI Engine that features the Hexagon 780 processor. This new system provides the perfect blend of voice assistants, gaming capabilities, camera quality, and fast connectivity. The chipset also features power-efficient options and performance that is three times better than the previous generation at 26 TOPS.

The platform also makes use of the 2nd Gen Sensing Hub, integrating a low-power processor to improve activity detection, screen wake, and audio detection. Such features make use of advancements in technologies like 5G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The updated AI Engine Direct software will enable developers to run AI-powered apps on the platform.

Camera: The Snapdragon 888 features the Spectra 580 ISP, and will be the first to have a Triple Image Signal Processor. This will enable it to capture streams simultaneously from three cameras at speeds as high as 2.7 gigapixels per second. Users can use 120fps snapshots to capture HD action sequences or three 4K HDR videos. The Spectra 580 ISP also has an updated low light architecture, allowing users to take brighter photos, even in near darkness conditions. To enable image capture in more shades, the chip features a 10-bit color depth in HEIF.

Gaming: The chipset features an Elite Gaming arsenal allowing users to enjoy ultra-smooth play at high graphics, mirroring desktop capabilities. The Snapdragon 888 also brings Variable Rate Shading to mobiles for the first time, improving rendering by 30%. The Game Quick Touch function improves responsiveness by 20% and helps in lowering touch latency.

Performance: The chipset features several significant architectural advances. Manufacturing of the platform makes use of 5nm process technology, with the Kryo 680 improving CPU performance by 25%. Top frequencies lie close to a whopping 2.84GHz, and this will be the first commercial subsystem based on the Arm Cortex-X1. The Adreno 660 renders graphics 35% faster when compared to the previous generation and can sustain better performance for more extended periods.

Security: Snapdragon 888 features the following technologies to protect user data and maintain a secure ecosystem. 

  1. Secure Processing Unit
  2. Trusted Execution Environment
  3. Wireless Edge Services 
  4. Type-1 Hypervisor, which helps isolate data between apps 
  5. Capture cryptographically-sealed photos 

Mobile phones that make use of the Snapdragon 888 will hit the market by the first quarter of 2021. All the features listed above make it evident that the devices making use of this chipset will be miles ahead of its competitors. There will be a substantial boost in Qualcomm’s capabilities, helping our smartphones become faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before!