Microsoft and mobile chipmaker Qualcomm have partnered to create a version of Windows 10 which will run on mobile computing devices powered by Snapdragon processors.
The partnership will result in the Snapdragon processor supporting full compatibility with the Windows 10 ecosystem.
It will enable hardware manufacturers to build a range of new Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 PCs.
It could help Microsoft diversify its chip sourcing for its devices as well as expand its mobile computing business, which is struggling to expand.
Qualcomm Technologies executive vice president and QCT president Cristiano Amon
Leveraging the power of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor, Microsoft wants to roll out full Windows 10 to ARM devices.
said: “With compatibility with the Windows 10 ecosystem, the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform is expected to support mobility to cloud computing and redefine how people will use their compute devices.”
The first PCs running Windows 10 based on Snapdragon processors are expected to be rolled out as early as next year.
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Qualcomm said that new Windows 10 PCs powered by Snapdragon will support x86 Win32 and universal Windows apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office and Windows 10 gaming titles.
Microsoft Windows and Devices Group executive vice president Terry Myerson said: “Bringing Windows 10 to life with a range of thin, light, power-efficient and always-connected devices, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, is the next step in delivering the innovations our customers love – touch, pen, Windows Hello, and more – anytime, anywhere.”
In July last year, the company released Windows 10, which introduced “universal apps”, apps that are developed to work on smartphones, personal computers, video game consoles, and HoloLens.
The technology giant said that it has applied for government approval in China for availability of HoloLens to developers and commercial customers in the country in the first half of 2017.
Microsoft has also announced a collaboration with Intel code-named Project Evo.
Under the partnership, the two companies will offer new ways for devices to light up with the latest in advanced security, artificial intelligence and Cortana, mixed reality, and gaming.
The collaboration will provide latest security capabilities to protect devices from malware and hacking threats and advances in biometric authentication with Windows Hello.
Besides, devices will be allowed to leverage sophisticated insights from Microsoft’s Intelligent Security Graph, and additional security intelligence and analytics from Intel.
Microsoft said: “Together, our work will extend these experiences to hundreds of millions of PC and HMD customers and raise the bar for what’s possible with Windows PCs.”
