Qualcomm is incorporating technology originally developed for its laptop chips into its mobile phone chips, aiming to enhance their capability for generative artificial intelligence (AI) tasks, with a strong emphasis on on-device capabilities.
The US semiconductor giant, recognised as the world’s largest mobile phone chip manufacturer, is focusing on generative AI by integrating AI features into its Snapdragon platforms. This will enable smartphones and other devices to perform real-time AI functions without relying on cloud processing. The approach aims to boost performance, enhance privacy, and improve speed and efficiency while expanding its market share.
According to a report by Reuters, Qualcomm hired a group of former Apple engineers in 2021 to assist in the design of laptop chips. These chips, branded under the name “Oryon”, became available for sale this year, contributing to AI features in Microsoft Windows devices, and Qualcomm’s latest chips, such as the Snapdragon X Elite for PCs, are also optimised for advanced AI features, supporting applications like image generation and language processing. The company is now transferring this custom computing technology to its smartphone chips for the first time.
The new chip, known as Snapdragon 8 Elite, has undergone significant modifications to handle complex tasks, such as generating images and text. Qualcomm also intends to provide developers with specialised tools to maximise the potential of these chips, supported by Qualcomm’s AI Hub, which helps developers create innovative applications using this technology, in addition to the existing resources available within Alphabet’s Android operating system.
“We are so excited to bring the power of Qualcomm Oryon to our Snapdragon mobile platforms for the first time,” said Qualcomm’s senior vice president and mobile handsets general manager Chris Patrick. “Earlier this year we debuted it in PCs, delivering remarkable experiences and unparallel battery life to PC users, energising the industry and getting the attention of consumers. Today, our second generation of the Qualcomm Oryon CPU debuts in our flagship Mobile Platform – it’s a major leap forward and we expect consumers to be thrilled with the new experiences enabled by our CPU technology.”
Qualcomm’s interest in generative AI
Qualcomm revealed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite will be utilised by Samsung Electronics, Asustek Computer, Xiaomi, and several other manufacturers in their upcoming mobile devices. CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted that this AI integration could trigger a new upgrade cycle, enhancing mobile experiences with personalised and interactive features.
Qualcomm is expanding its focus on generative AI with a strong emphasis on on-device capabilities. The company is integrating AI features into Snapdragon platforms, allowing smartphones and devices to perform real-time AI functions without relying on cloud processing, with the goal – it claims – of enhancing privacy, speed and efficiency. Qualcomm’s latest chips, such as the Snapdragon X Elite for PCs, are optimised for advanced AI features, supporting applications like image generation and language processing.
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